Financial Advisor Salary in Honolulu, HI: $137,782 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time financial advisor in Honolulu, HI earns a median $137,782/year (≈ $66.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2052). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $115,492 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Financial advisors in Honolulu, Hawaii, can expect a robust median annual salary of $137,782 in 2026, placing them significantly above the national median of $108,537. With a salary range stretching from $79,913 at the lower end to $213,561 at the top, the compensation reflects the distinct compensation structures tied to the AUM (assets under management) model prevalent among fee-only fiduciary Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) compared to commission-based wirehouse models. As local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data project a competitive salary landscape, the job market in Honolulu appears promising for financial advisors. This environment is shaped by the shift towards fiduciary responsibility and the increasing importance of advisory standards, suggesting a growing potential for career advancement and higher income for those navigating these changes effectively.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,913 | $38.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,203 | $47.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,782 | $66.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,360 | $84.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,561 | $102.67 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the financial advisor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,648 (2026 est.). At $137,782, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $108,537.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Financial Advisor Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $137,782/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $129,494 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $108,537 | +26.94% more |
Financial Advisors in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $137,782 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $108,537 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $129,494.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,782 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $115,492 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$111,520
2025 BLS Actual
$133,380
2026 Current Est.
$137,782
2019–2027 Growth
+27.6%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $111,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,399 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,543 | Actual |
| 2022 | $121,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $126,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $137,099 | Actual |
| 2025 | $133,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,782 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,328 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median financial advisor salary grew 19.6% from $111,520 (2019) to $133,380 (2025). At a 3.30% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,328 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,808 (27.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.30% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $79,913 – $99,203 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,203 – $137,782 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,782 – $176,360 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,360 – $213,561 |
CFP, FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual financial advisor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Financial Advisor Job Market in Honolulu
In Honolulu, the employment scene for financial advisors sees around 68 professionals in the field, contributing to a competitive atmosphere driven by demand and performance. Nonetheless, aspiring advisors must consider the local cost of living index of 119.3, which is higher than the national average, affecting take-home purchasing power. Among employers, wirehouses like Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch tend to offer the highest salaries, but independent broker-dealers and RIAs are gaining traction for providing lucrative opportunities, especially for those with CFP or CFA credentials. The disparity in salaries largely stems from factors such as the advisor's client base, AUM book size, and the fee model adopted. For those looking to maximize their financial advisor pay in Honolulu, focusing on building a strong high-net-worth client base and obtaining key certifications can significantly enhance earning potential, positioning advisors strategically in this thriving market.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $133,380 for financial advisorsin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.30%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for financial advisors (SOC 13-2052).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov