Honolulu vs Kailua: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kailua, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Kailua, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,501▲ | $80,585 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.59▲ | $38.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,311 | $58,848▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $69,835▲ | $68,529 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,199▲ | $98,624 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,968▲ | $117,515 |
| Total Employed | 68▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kailua.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Kailua is $5,916 (7.34%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $74,657,Kailua spans $58,667. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($72,507 effective) pays 7.34% more than Kailua ($67,548 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,501/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,968)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,507)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Honolulu grew -0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.5% growth in Kailua over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$82,513 (2024) → $82,069 (2025)
Kailua, HI
$76,870 (2024) → $76,456 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Kailua, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Honolulu or Kailua?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Kailua?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Kailua as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Honolulu vs Kailua?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov