What the numbers say
The median Accountant or Auditor in Hawaii earned $67,820 in 2024, about 20% below the US median of $84,407. That is a notable gap, and cost of living explains a good chunk of it without closing it entirely. Hawaii's overall price index sits at 113.2, meaning goods and services run roughly 13% above the national baseline. After adjusting for that, the in-state median translates to closer to $59,910 in national-baseline dollars, so the real gap widens rather than narrows.
The spread between bottom and top earners is wide. The 10th percentile came in at $49,050 in 2024, the 90th at $108,520. Top earners made about 2.2 times what entry-level peers did. That kind of range shows up in occupations where experience, specialization, and employer size drive pay sharply upward over time. A new staff accountant at a small local firm and a senior auditor at a state agency or large hospitality company are both counted in this figure.
About 4,940 Accountants and Auditors were employed in Hawaii in 2024, a relatively small pool given the state's size. BLS projects the occupation will grow 4.6% between 2024 and 2034, in line with what it calls average growth nationally.
One honest note: Hawaii's accounting market is shaped by an economy built around tourism, real estate, and government. Those sectors hire accountants steadily but rarely at the salaries common in tech-heavy or finance-heavy states. The nominal pay discount versus the mainland is real and persistent, and the cost of living does not offset it for most earners in this occupation.
Salary distribution
Where Hawaii accountants and auditors fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $60,710 and $92,870, with a median of $74,500.
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Accountants and Auditors pay by experience level in Hawaii
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Accountants and Auditors specialties in Hawaii
Real specialty titles employers file for, clustered from 8 certified offers. The most common variant is Accountant at a median of $62,040.
| Specialty | Top employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accountant | AINA ARCHAEOLOGY LLC | 4 | $62,040 |
| Accountants and Auditors - KBGFJG132351-7 | Ernst & Young U.S. LLP | 4 | $100,445 |
Specialties with 10 or more filings link to a dedicated breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Hawaii over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
- 02
Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
- 03
Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
- 04
Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
- 05
Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
- 06
Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
- 07
Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
- 08
Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Accountants and Auditors in Hawaii?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Accountants and Auditors in Hawaii is $74,500.
- How does Hawaii compare to the national median for Accountants and Auditors?
- The Hawaii median is -13.8% versus the BLS national figure of $86,427.
- What is the salary range for Accountants and Auditors in Hawaii?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,860 and the 90th-percentile at $117,840, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Accountants and Auditors a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Accountants and Auditors?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.