East Honolulu vs Kahului: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between East Honolulu, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Honolulu, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,947▲ | $168,646 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.63▲ | $81.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,890▲ | $97,815 |
| 25th Percentile | $125,242▲ | $121,424 |
| 75th Percentile | $215,879▲ | $213,126 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $253,761▲ | $235,950 |
| Total Employed | 12▲ | 5 |
Verdict
East Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between East Honolulu and Kahului is $5,301 (3.14%). East Honolulu's median is +14.52% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Honolulu spans $152,871,Kahului spans $138,135. East 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, East Honolulu ($145,806 effective) pays 3.14% more than Kahului ($141,363 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,947/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($253,761)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,806)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in East Honolulu grew 2.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.1% growth in Kahului over the same period.
East Honolulu, HI
$166,066 (2024) → $169,589 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$161,004 (2024) → $164,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Honolulu, HI
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: East Honolulu or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Honolulu and Kahului?
Should I relocate from East Honolulu to Kahului as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in East Honolulu vs Kahului?
Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% 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 Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov