What is the average teacher salary in Hawaii?

The average public-school teacher salary in Hawaii is approximately $62,250 per year (source: Hawaii Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Hawaii teacher pay compare to the national average?

Hawaii teachers earn about 9% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Hawaii teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Hawaii districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Hawaii?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Hawaii.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Hawaii?

Yes. Almost every Hawaii district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Hawaii

Hawaii teachers earn an average of $62,250 per year — 9% below the national average.

$62,250State Average

$51,270Entry-Level (BS)

#23National Rank

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Hawaii Teacher Salary Overview

$51,270Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$62,250Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Hawaii teachers earn 9% less than the national average (-$6,219)

How Hawaii Teacher Salaries Work

Hawaii has a single statewide school district (Hawaii Department of Education), making it the only state with a fully unified salary schedule. All public school teachers are state employees with the same salary scale based on education level and years of experience.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Hawaii's high cost of living significantly erodes purchasing power. Teacher housing assistance programs exist on some islands. The statewide system means no local supplements.

Top Hiring Districts in Hawaii

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Hawaii Department Of Education850 open positions

850 total open positions across Hawaii school districts.

Browse All Hawaii Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Hawaii ranks #23 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

Compare All States →

Ready to Teach in Hawaii?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Hawaii teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Hawaii Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Hawaii — apply directly on district sites.

View Hawaii jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Hawaii Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Hawaii Department of Education.