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HOURLY WAGE INDEX

Let’s talk wages in Hawaii

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$14.00

What is the minimum wage in Hawaii?

As of June 9, 2023, the minimum wage in Hawaii is $14.00 per hour. This is greater than the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour, so employees in Hawaii are entitled to be paid the higher state minimum wage. The Hawaii minimum wage is set to increase to $14.00 per hour on January 1, 2024, $16.00 per hour on January 1, 2026, and $18.00 per hour on January 1, 2028.

There are some exceptions to the Hawaii minimum wage law. For example, tipped employees may be paid a lower wage, as long as they receive enough tips to bring their total earnings up to the minimum wage. Additionally, some employees, such as those who are under 18 years old, may be paid a lower minimum wage.

If you are an employee in Hawaii and you believe that you are not being paid the minimum wage, you can file a complaint with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations.

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$31.27

What is the average wage in Hawaii?

The average wage in Hawaii is $31.27 per hour. The median wage is $25.84 per hour. Wages vary depending on the occupation, industry, experience, and education level. 

For example, the median wage for office and administrative support occupations is $21.75 per hour, while the median for management occupations is $46.95 per hour. 

The median wage for accommodation and food services workers is $19.17 per hour, while the median wage for workers in the information industry is $37.50 per hour.

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$54.04

What is the living wage in Hawaii?

The living wage in Hawaii is $17.90 per hour for a single adult with no children. The living wage differs depending on the number and ages of family members. 

For example, the living wage for a single adult with one child is $32.73 per hour, while the living wage for a single adult with two children is $38.55 per hour.

Wages aren’t everything!

While pay is one of the main factors that hourly employees consider when choosing to join (or stay at) a company, it’s not the end all be all. Research shows that advancement opportunities, supportive management, and schedule flexibility are all incredibly important as well.

Want to learn more about this trend? We dive deep into the data behind which perks and benefits matter most to hourly workers. Check out our full conversation with expert Sara Wasserteil of Cara Collective.

A guide to hourly labor laws in Hawaii

Verified by Legal Counsel Brooke Davis

  • Standard Minimum Wage: $14 with increases reaching $18 by 2028 (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 387-2).
  • Tipped Minimum Wage: $12.75, totaling at least $7 above minimum wage after tips. Employers can pay tipped employees up to $1.25 less per hour if their wages plus tips exceed the state's minimum wage by at least $7 — or $19.75 per hour through 2024 (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 387-2).
  • Overtime: Employers must pay 1.5 times the normal rate for hours worked over 40 per workweek (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 387-3).
  • Meal Breaks: Hawaii law requires that minors under 16 be provided a 30-minute meal break after five consecutive hours of work. Adult employee meal breaks are not required under state law (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2). No meal breaks are required under federal law. Federal law allows unpaid, non-working, bona-fide meal breaks over 30 minutes; exceptions may apply (29 C.F.R. § 785.19) (DoL).
  • Rest Breaks: No Hawaii state or federal law requiring rest breaks. However, breaks lasting 5–20 minutes must be paid (29 C.F.R. § 785.18).
  • Wage Deductions: Hawaii's employers can only make wage deductions that are required by law or authorized in writing by the employee. Deductions for shortages and breakages generally require authorization. Third-party deductions benefitting the employer may not reduce wages below the applicable minimum (29 C.F.R. § 4.168) (29 US Code § 203) (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 388-6).
  • Final Paychecks: Termination/resignation: By the next payday (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 388-3).
  • Wage Payment Frequency: Regular semi-monthly paydays (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 388-2).
  • Paid Sick Leave: No state/federal law. Policies are determined by the employer or through collective bargaining agreements (DoL).
  • Paid Family and Medical Leave: No Hawaii paid leave law. For eligible employees, the FMLA provides up to 12 unpaid weeks in one year (FMLA).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children Under 16:
    • School days: Up to three hours per school day and 18 hours per school week.
    • Non-school days: Up to eight hours per day and 40 hours per week.
    • Hours: No work when required to attend school. No more than six consecutive days per week. No work between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. except during the summer when minors may not work from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. (Haw. Rev. Stat. § 390-2).
  • Maximum Daily and Weekly Hours for Children 16 and 17: No Hawaii state law. Federal law does not restrict 16- and 17-year-olds’ working hours in non-hazardous occupations (DoL).

 

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between gross wages and net wages?

It's important to remember that the Hourly Wage Index data above reflects gross wages, or the amount of money an employee earns before accounting for payroll deductions like taxes, benefits, or wage garnishments. Due to variability in tax rates across locations, slightly lower gross wages in a certain location might result in higher take home pay, or vice versa.

What is a good hourly wage?

This question is a difficult one to answer, as a "good hourly wage" is highly subjective according to experience, work responsibilities, cost of living, and other factors. We recommend using Hourly Wage Index data as a starting point. Once you have established a baseline for certain positions, do further research into similar businesses in your area.

Lastly, consider surveying your employees. They're the best resource to help you know what is a good hourly wage, what competitive pay looks like in your location, and how competitive wages change in your industry over time.

Offering competitive pay is one of my top priorities—what other resources do you have that might help?

We know that getting applicants to pay attention to your business can be extremely challenging, and that offering competitive pay is a huge part of that. Wages aren’t everything, however! Applicant experience is another important factor that can help set you apart from your competition. A few examples include:

  • Short, easy to understand job descriptions
  • Mobile-friendliness
  • Quick communication
  • Streamlined interview stages
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