East Honolulu vs Kaneohe: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between East Honolulu, HI and Kaneohe, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Honolulu, HI | Kaneohe, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,947 | $176,329▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $83.63 | $84.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,890 | $102,270▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $125,242 | $126,957▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $215,879 | $221,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $253,761▲ | $244,866 |
| Total Employed | 12▲ | 5 |
Verdict
East Honolulu and Kaneohe are closely matched on overall air traffic controller compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between East Honolulu and Kaneohe is $2,382 (1.37%). Kaneohe's median is +16.09% 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,Kaneohe spans $142,596. 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, Kaneohe ($147,803 effective) pays 1.37% more than East Honolulu ($145,806 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Honolulu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($253,761)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kaneohe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($176,329/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $147,803)
- ✓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 Kaneohe over the same period.
East Honolulu, HI
$166,066 (2024) → $169,589 (2025)
Kaneohe, HI
$168,340 (2024) → $171,911 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Honolulu, HI
Kaneohe, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: East Honolulu or Kaneohe?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Honolulu and Kaneohe?
Should I relocate from East Honolulu to Kaneohe as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in East Honolulu vs Kaneohe?
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