Kahului vs Urban Honolulu: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant 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 | $50,726▲ | $48,202 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.39▲ | $23.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,812▲ | $38,329 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,395▲ | $42,036 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,195 | $54,773▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,524▲ | $56,083 |
| Total Employed | 330 | 3,770▲ |
Verdict
Kahului, HI offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Kahului and Urban Honolulu is $2,524 (5.24%). Kahului's median is +12.71% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $18,712,Urban Honolulu spans $17,754. Kahului 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, Kahului ($46,370 effective) pays 6.74% more than Urban Honolulu ($43,440 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 ($50,726/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,524)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,370)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (3,770 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Kahului grew 28.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.8% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$37,050 (2019) → $47,630 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$36,870 (2019) → $45,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants 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 certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Kahului vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov