UX Designer Jobs in Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, Hawaii$188,600 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About UX Designer Jobs in Honolulu

Looking for a UX Designer job in Honolulu? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a UX Designer in Honolulu, HI.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Honolulu has a strong job market for UX Designers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

UX Designer Salary in Honolulu

Entry Level
$117,300
Median
$188,600
Senior Level
$275,080

UX Designer salaries in Honolulu are 84% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Honolulu is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

FigmaUser ResearchPrototypingDesign SystemsUsability Testing

UX Designer Job Market in Honolulu

Honolulu, HI is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for UX Designer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Honolulu offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Tourism and Defense sectors create robust demand for UX Designer talent. The market for UX Designer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring UX Designers in Honolulu

Local tech startupsRegional IT firmsNational tech companies with local offices

Major employers hiring UX Designers in Honolulu include Local tech startups, Regional IT firms, National tech companies with local offices. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for UX Designers in Honolulu

Living in Honolulu as a UX Designer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (184% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median UX Designer salary, housing is quite affordable at 11% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

184
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a UX Designer in Honolulu

Honolulu Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for UX Designers in Honolulu: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among UX Designer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Hawaii

Hawaii has relatively high state income taxes. A UX Designer earning $188,600 might pay approximately $15,088 in state income tax. However, Hawaii's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for UX Designers

The job outlook for UX Designers in Honolulu is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Honolulu offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Figma, User Research, Prototyping, Design Systems.

Relocating to Honolulu

Honolulu has a very high cost of living. Many UX Designers negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. Hawaii has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average UX Designer salary in Honolulu, HI?

The average UX Designer salary in Honolulu, HI is $188,600 per year. Entry-level UX Designers typically start around $117,300, while experienced professionals can earn $275,080 or more. The national average for UX Designer roles is $102,500.

How many UX Designer jobs are available in Honolulu?

Honolulu has a growing job market with steady opportunities for UX Designer professionals. Major employers hiring UX Designers include Local tech startups, Regional IT firms, National tech companies with local offices. The Tourism and Defense sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Honolulu a good city for UX Designers?

Honolulu is an solid choice for UX Designers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for technology & software professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for UX Designers in Honolulu?

Top skills for UX Designers in Honolulu include Figma, User Research, Prototyping, Design Systems, Usability Testing. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for UX Designers in Honolulu?

Honolulu's cost of living is significantly above the national average (184% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Honolulu is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for UX Designers in Honolulu?

Honolulu Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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