ML Research Engineer Salary in Honolulu
2026 compensation data for ML Research Engineer positions in Honolulu, HI. Ranges from $137,000 (entry-level) to $368,000 (senior). Median: $215,000.
Median (Mid)
$215,000
$103.37/hr
vs National
-5%
US: $226,000
COL Index
175
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$368,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $137,000 | $163,000 | $189,000 | $78.37/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $179,000 | $215,000 | $252,000 | $103.37/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $231,000 | $299,000 | $368,000 | $143.75/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Honolulu
A mid-level ml research engineer earning $215,000 in Honolulu has the same buying power as $123,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 175).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About ML Research Engineer Salaries in Honolulu
The median ml research engineer salary in Honolulu, HI is $215,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 5% below the national median. With a cost of living index of 175 (national average = 100), Honolulu offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level ml research engineers in Honolulu can expect to earn between $137,000 and $189,000 (about $78.37/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $368,000 ($368K annually, or about $176.92/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Honolulu.
Frequently Asked Questions: ML Research Engineer Salary in Honolulu
What is the average ML Research Engineer salary in Honolulu?+
The average ML Research Engineer salary in Honolulu is $215,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $163,000 and senior-level pay reaches $299,000.
How much does an entry-level ml research engineer make in Honolulu?+
Entry-level ml research engineers in Honolulu earn between $137,000 and $189,000, with a median of $163,000 per year (about $78.37/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a ML Research Engineer in Honolulu?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a ML Research Engineer in Honolulu earns roughly $78.37/hour at entry-level, $103.37/hour at mid-level, and $143.75/hour at senior-level.
Is the ML Research Engineer salary in Honolulu higher than the US average?+
ML Research Engineer salaries in Honolulu are about 5% below the US national median. The lower cost of living often makes take-home buying power competitive.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
Negotiating a ML Research Engineer offer in Honolulu?
Get personalized AI coaching based on real market data.
ML Research Engineer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Roles in Honolulu
Know Your Worth as a ML Research Engineer in Honolulu
You now have the data. Use our free AI negotiation coach to turn it into a strategy — get scripts, market context, and expert tactics for your specific situation.
Free · No signup · Instant answers