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Journalist Salary in Honolulu, HI

How much does a journalist make in Honolulu? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Honolulu's cost of living.

Median Salary
$121,629
per year in Honolulu
Entry Level
$70,545
Starting salary
Senior Level
$182,444
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
189
89% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how journalist salaries break down across different pay periods in Honolulu.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$70,545$121,629$182,444
Monthly$5,879$10,136$15,204
Biweekly$2,713$4,678$7,017
Weekly$1,357$2,339$3,509
Hourly$34$58$88

Honolulu vs National Average

How Honolulu's journalist salaries compare to national figures.

Honolulu Salary
$121,629
COL Index: 189
National Average
$55,960
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$65,669
Higher in Honolulu

Cost of Living in Honolulu

1-Bedroom Rent
$3,350
per month
Median Income
$74,123
per year
Population
345,975
residents
Rent % of Income
54.2%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 189 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Honolulu have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Journalist

Overview

Research and write news stories for publications.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field

Key Skills

WritingResearchInterviewingCritical Thinking

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +14% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Journalist Salary

See Journalist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$104,270
-14%
Los Angeles, CA
$89,620
-26%
Chicago, IL
$60,850
-50%
Houston, TX
$60,350
-50%
Phoenix, AZ
$49,140
-60%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a journalist salary in Honolulu.

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Journalist Salary in Honolulu, HI — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a journalist in Honolulu, HI is $121,629 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 189. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Honolulu's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level journalist professionals in Honolulu can expect to earn around $70,545 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level journalists earning approximately $182,444 per year. This represents a 159% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Honolulu's cost of living index of 189 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Honolulu are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $55,960, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a journalist's salary in Honolulu typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $3,350 per month, housing represents about 33.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Journalists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 14% over the next decade. In Honolulu, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.