In 2025, teachers in Hawaii typically make around the high‑40Ks to low‑70Ks per year, depending on experience, degree level, and specific role, with starting salaries around 50K and experienced teachers going higher.

Quick Scoop

Snapshot: How much do teachers make in Hawaii?

  • Average overall teacher salary: about 48,000–71,000 USD per year , depending on data source and how “teacher” is defined (all teachers vs. public K‑12 only).
  • Average general “teacher” pay listed for Hawaii (mix of roles): about 48,405 USD/year (around 23.27 USD/hour).
  • National education data summary (public K‑12 focus): average Hawaii teacher salary reported at about 70,947 USD/year , which places Hawaii in the top tier nationally for nominal pay.
  • Starting public school salary: roughly 50,123 USD/year for a new teacher, according to a 2024 overview.

In simple terms: a brand‑new teacher might start around 50K, a mid‑career public school teacher may be around the 60–70K range, and more experienced or specialized roles can go higher.

By type and example roles

  • General “Teacher” (various levels, all employers):
    • Average: about 48,405 USD/year (23.27 USD/hour, ~4,033 USD/month).
* Most fall between **34,800** and **59,200 USD/year** (25th–75th percentile).

* Top 10% earn around **65,973 USD/year**.
  • High school teacher in Hawaii (example data set):
    • Average: about 53,363 USD/year (~25.66 USD/hour).
* Typical range: **50,900–64,900 USD/year** for most, with top earners around **80,000 USD/year**.
  • Public K‑12 teachers (state system view):
    • Average salary reported via NEA‑based summary: 70,947 USD/year.
* Average starting salary: **50,123 USD/year** , ranking relatively high compared with other states.

Mini table: Example salary figures

[3] [3] [1] [1] [5] [5]
Category Approx. annual salary Details
Average “Teacher” (all types) 48,405 USD/year About 23.27 USD/hour, ~4,033 USD/month in Hawaii.
25th–75th percentile (all teachers) 34,800–59,200 USD/year Core middle range of salaries, excluding extremes.
High school teacher average 53,363 USD/year Equivalent to about 25.66 USD/hour.
High school teacher, top earners Up to ~79,999 USD/year Rough 90th percentile for high school teachers in Hawaii.
Public K‑12 teacher average 70,947 USD/year NEA‑based figure; puts Hawaii in upper tier nationally.
Starting public teacher salary 50,123 USD/year Typical entry‑level salary for new public school teachers.

Forum and “real life” feel

Some teachers on forums describe needing extra jobs or sharing housing because the cost of living (especially on Oʻahu and Maui) is so high that even a 60–70K salary can feel tight. Others mention that stipends and differentials (for special education or hard‑to‑staff areas) can add several thousand dollars a year on top of base pay, which helps but doesn’t fully offset housing and everyday costs.

You’ll also see comments that public school pay scales are structured with steps (experience) and lanes (education level), and that Hawaii offers extra stipends for special education and certain shortage areas. That means two teachers with the same years of experience can earn different amounts if one has more graduate credits or works in a hard‑to‑staff position.

What affects where you land in that range?

  • Years of experience and education level (bachelor’s vs. master’s vs. more).
  • School type: public vs. private vs. charter vs. early childhood vs. higher ed.
  • Subject and role: special education, certain sciences, and specialist roles often pay more due to stipends or demand.
  • Island and district: some locations offer additional incentives because they’re harder to staff.

If you’re considering moving or switching into teaching in Hawaii, the most accurate snapshot for you will come from checking the current Hawaii Department of Education salary schedule and then matching your years of experience and education lane to that chart, plus any stipends that apply to your subject or location.

TL;DR: “How much do teachers make in Hawaii?”
Roughly 50K for a new teacher, about 48–53K in some general job market data, and around 71K on average in the public K‑12 system, with experienced or specialized teachers earning more—though the very high cost of living means that money does not always go as far as it might on the mainland.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.