Kailua vs Urban Honolulu: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist 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 | $120,361▲ | $101,806 |
| Hourly Rate | $57.87▲ | $48.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,469▲ | $63,424 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,034▲ | $78,013 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,845▲ | $112,257 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,499▲ | $126,098 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Kailua, HI offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Kailua and Urban Honolulu is $18,555 (18.23%). Kailua's median is +18.26% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kailua spans $81,030,Urban Honolulu spans $62,674. 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 ($100,889 effective) pays 9.96% more than Urban Honolulu ($91,749 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 ($120,361/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,499)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,889)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Kailua grew 1.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kailua, HI
$113,532 (2024) → $115,743 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$80,170 (2019) → $97,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kailua, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists 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 speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Kailua vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov