Data Scientist Salary in Honolulu 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Honolulu: Full Breakdown

The $124,260 annual mean salary for data scientists in Honolulu reflects the specialized nature of this role in a geographically isolated market. Data scientists in Honolulu work across diverse industries including tourism technology, government contracting, healthcare systems, and emerging tech startups seeking to establish operations in Hawaii.

For context, this salary typically translates to approximately $10,355 per month in gross pay before taxes and benefits, or roughly $59.74 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

Cost of Living Context

Honolulu’s cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, which directly impacts the real purchasing power of the $124,260 salary. Hawaii consistently ranks among the most expensive states in the nation due to its geographic isolation, limited housing supply, and import-dependent economy.

Key cost factors in Honolulu:

• Housing costs are substantially elevated compared to mainland markets
• Groceries and general goods carry a Hawaii premium due to shipping distances
• Transportation costs are lower than some mainland cities due to limited sprawl, but vehicle-dependent infrastructure still applies
• Utilities, particularly electricity, are notably higher than national averages

A data scientist earning $124,260 in Honolulu should budget carefully for housing, which typically consumes 30-40% of household income in this market. The monthly gross of approximately $10,355 means that even with Hawaii’s higher salaries compared to some regions, cost-of-living adjustment is critical when evaluating whether this compensation meets your financial needs.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists

Data science remains a high-demand field nationally, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting strong growth in computer and mathematical occupations. The Honolulu market, while smaller than major tech hubs, has seen increasing demand for data science skills across government agencies, military contractors, healthcare systems, and tourism-related technology companies.

Why Honolulu for data science:

• Growing presence of federal agencies and defense contractors
• Expanding healthcare technology sector
• Tourism and hospitality industry digital transformation
• Emerging local startup ecosystem
• Remote work opportunities with mainland companies

Entry-level data scientist positions in Honolulu typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field. Many employers prefer candidates with master’s degrees or specialized certifications in data science, machine learning, or related areas.

Salary Negotiation Considerations

When negotiating a data scientist position in Honolulu, consider:

1. Experience level: The $124,260 figure represents a mean across all experience levels. Entry-level positions typically start 20-30% below this average, while senior data scientists can earn 30-50% above.

2. Cost-of-living adjustment: If relocating from the mainland, factor in Hawaii’s higher expenses. A salary that seems high may provide less purchasing power than a lower offer in a less expensive market.

3. Benefits package: Health insurance, retirement contributions, and relocation assistance are particularly valuable in Hawaii due to higher costs.

4. Remote work flexibility: Some Honolulu-based companies offer remote work options, which can provide geographic salary arbitrage opportunities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Honolulu?

Entry-level data scientist positions in Honolulu typically start around $90,000–$100,000 annually, representing approximately 72-80% of the $124,260 mean salary reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Exact starting offers depend on educational background (bachelor’s vs. master’s degree), relevant internship experience, and specific technical skills in programming languages like Python, R, or SQL.

How does data scientist salary in Honolulu compare to the national average?

The national mean salary for data scientists (SOC 15-2051) typically ranges from $108,000–$130,000 depending on the year and source. Honolulu’s $124,260 figure places it near the upper end of national averages, reflecting both the specialized nature of the role and Hawaii’s higher cost of living. However, when adjusted for cost-of-living differences, the real purchasing power may be comparable to or lower than mainland cities with lower nominal salaries.

Is it worth moving to Honolulu for a data scientist position?

The decision depends on your personal priorities and financial situation. The $124,260 salary is competitive, but Honolulu’s high cost of living—particularly for housing, groceries, and utilities—means your take-home purchasing power may be similar to earning $100,000–$110,000 in a mainland market. Benefits include Hawaii’s quality of life, natural environment, and strong job security in stable sectors like government and healthcare. However, if you have family on the mainland or prefer lower costs of living, a mainland data science role might provide greater financial flexibility despite a lower nominal salary.

What industries hire the most data scientists in Honolulu?

The largest employers of data scientists in Honolulu include federal government agencies, military contractors, healthcare systems (particularly the University of Hawaii and Kaiser Permanente), tourism and hospitality technology companies, and growing fintech/insurance sectors. These industries drive consistent demand for professionals with data science expertise.

Do data scientists in Honolulu get remote work options?

Yes, many Honolulu-based companies offer remote or hybrid work arrangements, particularly for roles supporting mainland operations or serving national clients. This flexibility can be valuable for work-life balance and managing Hawaii’s high cost of living by potentially taking on additional remote projects.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC code 15-2051. This article is based on publicly available wage data and is for informational purposes only. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications, employer, experience, and specific job responsibilities. Salary data represents the Honolulu-Pearl City Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA code 46520).

Last updated: April 10, 2026