Kailua vs Waipahu: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Kailua, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kailua, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $219,207▲ | $216,685 |
| Hourly Rate | $105.39▲ | $104.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $147,786▲ | $142,110 |
| 25th Percentile | $192,611▲ | $187,290 |
| 75th Percentile | $270,561▲ | $259,682 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $305,953 | $311,512▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 9▲ |
Verdict
Kailua and Waipahu are closely matched on overall nurse anesthetist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kailua and Waipahu is $2,522 (1.16%). Kailua's median is -11.93% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kailua spans $158,167,Waipahu spans $169,402. Waipahu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kailua ($183,744 effective) pays 1.16% more than Waipahu ($181,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kailua if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($219,207/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $183,744)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($311,512)
- ✓Larger job market (9 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Kailua grew -16.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.1% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Kailua, HI
$248,351 (2024) → $208,372 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$245,493 (2024) → $205,974 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kailua, HI
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Kailua or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kailua and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Kailua to Waipahu as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Kailua vs Waipahu?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov