Kailua vs Urban Honolulu: Optometrist Salary (2026)
Compare optometrist salaries between Kailua, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kailua, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $166,292▲ | $145,966 |
| Hourly Rate | $79.95▲ | $70.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $96,449 | $110,260▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $133,835▲ | $124,561 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,503▲ | $166,775 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $239,427▲ | $211,470 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Kailua, HI offers better overall compensation for optometrists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Kailua and Urban Honolulu is $20,326 (13.93%). Kailua's median is +18.26% compared to the US national median of $140,612.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kailua spans $142,978,Urban Honolulu spans $101,210. Kailua 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, Kailua ($139,390 effective) pays 5.96% more than Urban Honolulu ($131,547 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($166,292/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($239,427)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $139,390)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, optometrist salaries in Kailua grew -2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kailua, HI
$165,567 (2024) → $161,511 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$107,660 (2019) → $141,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kailua, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays optometrists more: Kailua or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kailua and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Kailua to Urban Honolulu as a optometrist?
What do entry-level optometrists earn in Kailua vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.96% 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 Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov