Kahului vs Urban Honolulu: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer 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 | $73,696▲ | $64,553 |
| Hourly Rate | $35.42▲ | $31.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,331▲ | $42,529 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,227▲ | $55,183 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,580▲ | $75,885 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,972▲ | $97,741 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Kahului, HI offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Kahului and Urban Honolulu is $9,143 (14.16%). Kahului's median is +22.47% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $64,641,Urban Honolulu spans $55,212. 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 ($67,368 effective) pays 15.80% more than Urban Honolulu ($58,176 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 ($73,696/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,972)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,368)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Kahului grew -4.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.6% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$74,480 (2019) → $70,984 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$57,260 (2019) → $62,178 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers 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 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Kahului vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% 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, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov