Honolulu vs Waipahu: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,883▲ | $56,067 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.27▲ | $26.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,885▲ | $44,447 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,917▲ | $46,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,053▲ | $57,929 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,011▲ | $73,159 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waipahu.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Waipahu is $4,816 (8.59%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $35,126,Waipahu spans $28,712. 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 ($51,034 effective) pays 8.59% more than Waipahu ($46,997 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 ($60,883/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,011)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,034)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Honolulu grew -4.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.8% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$60,933 (2024) → $58,000 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$56,113 (2024) → $53,412 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Honolulu or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Waipahu?
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What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Honolulu vs Waipahu?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov