Kahului vs Kailua: Welder Salary (2026)
Compare welder salaries between Kahului, HI and Kailua, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Kailua, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,964▲ | $66,102 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.64▲ | $31.78 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,224 | $49,598▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,179 | $57,862▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,036▲ | $76,910 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,049▲ | $92,738 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Kahului, HI offers better overall compensation for welders, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kailua.
The salary gap between Kahului and Kailua is $3,862 (5.84%). Kahului's median is +25.17% compared to the US national median of $55,895.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $47,825,Kailua spans $43,140. Kahului has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kahului ($63,957 effective) pays 15.43% more than Kailua ($55,408 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,964/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,049)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,957)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, welder salaries in Kahului grew -6.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -18.6% growth in Kailua over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$71,800 (2019) → $67,280 (2025)
Kailua, HI
$78,053 (2024) → $63,566 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Kailua, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays welders more: Kahului or Kailua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Kailua?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Kailua as a welder?
What do entry-level welders earn in Kahului vs Kailua?
Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov