Kahului vs Waipahu: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Kahului, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,745 | $56,067▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.84 | $26.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,668 | $44,447▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,735▲ | $46,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,268▲ | $57,929 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,213 | $73,159▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Waipahu, HI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Kahului and Waipahu is $2,322 (4.32%). Waipahu's median is +16.90% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $19,545,Waipahu spans $28,712. Waipahu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kahului ($49,130 effective) pays 4.54% 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 Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,130)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,067/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,159)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Kahului grew 34.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.8% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$38,090 (2019) → $51,200 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$56,113 (2024) → $53,412 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Kahului or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Waipahu as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Kahului 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