Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,608▲ | $60,228 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.71▲ | $28.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,211▲ | $32,951 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,288▲ | $47,690 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,738▲ | $81,055 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,043▲ | $94,120 |
| Total Employed | 68 | 410▲ |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Urban Honolulu is $22,380 (37.16%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $79,832,Urban Honolulu spans $61,169. Honolulu 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, Honolulu ($69,244 effective) pays 27.57% more than Urban Honolulu ($54,279 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,043)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,244)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Honolulu grew 4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$76,166 (2024) → $79,923 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$52,520 (2019) → $58,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Honolulu or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Urban Honolulu as a graphic designer?
What do entry-level graphic designers earn in Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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 Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov