Careers in Hawaii
Hawaii’s regional price level is above the national average (index 109.951, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).
Unemployment rate: 2.9% · Labor force participation: 61% · 671,634 people employed (2026-07, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).
Highest-Paying Careers
See full list →- 1Physicians, All Other$339,290
- 2Obstetricians and Gynecologists$338,130
- 3Psychiatrists$289,990
- 4Chief Executives$281,640
- 5Family Medicine Physicians$218,210
Largest Occupations
See full list →- 1Fast Food and Counter Workers24,130 employed
- 2Retail Salespersons19,180 employed
- 3Waiters and Waitresses14,090 employed
- 4General and Operations Managers13,380 employed
- 5Registered Nurses12,940 employed
Highest Concentration
See full list →- 1Motorboat Operators32.64× national avg
- 2Dancers14.76× national avg
- 3Baggage Porters and Bellhops11.94× national avg
- 4Astronomers11.67× national avg
- 5Hoist and Winch Operators11.17× national avg
Best Purchasing Power
See full list →cost-of-living adjusted
- 1Physicians, All Other$308,583
- 2Obstetricians and Gynecologists$307,528
- 3Psychiatrists$263,745
- 4Chief Executives$256,150
- 5Family Medicine Physicians$198,461
Strongest Opportunity Score
See full list →- 1Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary94.3 / 100
- 2Baggage Porters and Bellhops93.3 / 100
- 3Musicians and Singers92.5 / 100
- 4Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners91.9 / 100
- 5Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs91.6 / 100
Sources
Wage and employment data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities. Unemployment rate: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). Opportunity Score is a Career Atlas USA calculation — see methodology.