Urban Honolulu vs Waipahu: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Urban Honolulu, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Urban Honolulu, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,092 | $56,067▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.08 | $26.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,308 | $44,447▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,257▲ | $46,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,479▲ | $57,929 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,951 | $73,159▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,700▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Waipahu, HI offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Urban Honolulu and Waipahu is $5,975 (11.93%). 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 Urban Honolulu spans $22,643,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, Waipahu ($46,997 effective) pays 4.10% more than Urban Honolulu ($45,144 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,067/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,159)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,997)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Urban Honolulu grew 24.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -4.8% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Urban Honolulu, HI
$38,280 (2019) → $47,720 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$56,113 (2024) → $53,412 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Urban Honolulu or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Urban Honolulu and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Urban Honolulu to Waipahu as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Urban 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