Medical Assistant Salary in Hawaii: $50,877 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Hawaii's 10 metropolitan areas, the average median medical assistant pay sits at $50,877/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 31-9092. Because Hawaii sits at BEA RPP 119.3 (19% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $42,646 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Honolulu ($58,000), Kaneohe ($54,165), Mililani Town ($54,068).
In Hawaii, the average median salary for medical assistants in 2026 is projected at $50,877, which is approximately 6.1% higher than the national median of $47,961. This indicates a favorable wage environment for medical assistants compared to the mainland. The highest-paying city is Honolulu, where salaries are expected to reach $60,883, while Urban Honolulu has the lowest at $50,092, reflecting a difference of $10,791. Factors influencing this salary gap include the cost of living in different areas, demand for healthcare services, and local competition among employers. Hawaii's medical assistant roles are subject to specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which can affect job responsibilities and salary levels. The projected annual growth rate for medical assistant positions in Hawaii is 4.97%, indicating a steady demand in the healthcare sector. With approximately 3,230 medical assistants employed across the state, areas such as Kaneohe, Mililani Town, Kailua, and East Honolulu are also showing promising average salaries, at $56,857, $56,755, $56,719, and $56,089, respectively. Overall, the job market for medical assistants in Hawaii appears strong, supported by ongoing healthcare needs and population growth.
Hawaii Medical Assistant Salary Range
Overall salary range in Hawaii: $40,308 (lowest entry-level) to $80,011 (highest top earner)
Hawaii vs National Average
Hawaii medical assistants earn 6.08% more than the national median (+$2,916/year difference).
Hawaii Medical Assistant Salary Distribution (2026)
Medical Assistant salaries in Hawaii range from $40,902 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $63,482 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $50,877. The Hawaii median is $2,916 above the US national median of $47,961. The average hourly rate is $24.46/hr. Approximately 3,230 medical assistants are employed across 10 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,265
2025 BLS Actual
$48,468
2026 Current Est.
$50,877
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Hawaii (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,265 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,623 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,552 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,042 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,468 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,877 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,406 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hawaii metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 26.7% from $38,265 (2019) to $48,468 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,406 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,141 (39.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hawaii metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.97% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Hawaii
Lowest Paying Cities in Hawaii
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Urban Honolulu | $50,092 |
| Kahului | $53,745 |
| Hilo | $54,295 |
| Pearl City | $55,533 |
| Waipahu | $56,067 |
Best Value Cities for Medical Assistants in Hawaii
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Hawaii cities offer the most purchasing power for medical assistants.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honolulu | $60,883 | 119.3 | $51,034 |
| Kahului | $53,745 | 109.393 | $49,130 |
| Kaneohe | $56,857 | 119.3 | $47,659 |
| Mililani Town | $56,755 | 119.3 | $47,573 |
| Kailua | $56,719 | 119.3 | $47,543 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Hawaii
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $40,902 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $50,877 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $63,482 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Hawaii metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 10 Cities in Hawaii
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honolulu | $60,883 |
| 2 | Kaneohe | $56,857 |
| 3 | Mililani Town | $56,755 |
| 4 | Kailua | $56,719 |
| 5 | East Honolulu | $56,089 |
| 6 | Waipahu | $56,067 |
| 7 | Pearl City | $55,533 |
| 8 | Hilo | $54,295 |
| 9 | Kahului | $53,745 |
| 10 | Urban Honolulu | $50,092 |
More Hawaii Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore medical assistant hourly pay in Hawaii cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced medical assistants.
Explore More Medical Assistant Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Hawaii in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for medical assistants in Hawaii?
How does Hawaii medical assistant pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level medical assistant salary in Hawaii?
How many medical assistants are employed in Hawaii?
Which Hawaii city offers the best value for medical assistants?
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
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.97% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 medical assistant compensation across Hawaii. State averages are employment-weighted across 10 metro areas — larger metro areas with more medical assistantscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov