Kahului vs Urban Honolulu: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Kahului, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,740▲ | $138,104 |
| Hourly Rate | $74.40▲ | $66.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $104,167▲ | $85,884 |
| 25th Percentile | $116,084 | $135,571▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,649▲ | $141,450 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,872 | $202,559▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Kahului and Urban Honolulu are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kahului and Urban Honolulu is $16,636 (12.05%). Kahului's median is +12.67% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $63,705,Urban Honolulu spans $116,675. Urban Honolulu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kahului ($141,453 effective) pays 13.65% more than Urban Honolulu ($124,462 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($154,740/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,453)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($202,559)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Kahului grew 133.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.5% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$62,840 (2019) → $146,590 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$106,800 (2019) → $130,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Kahului or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Urban Honolulu as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Kahului vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov