Ranking the Top 10 High-Paying Tech Jobs in Honolulu in 2025

Honolulu's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in 2025! The tech sector is projected to grow 15% in the next five years, with major players like Hawaiian Telcom and Oceanit leading the charge.

What's super exciting is that the Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism forecasts a solid 2% economic growth for 2025, with tech playing a huge role.

The upcoming Honolulu Tech Week is bringing together over 1,500 tech professionals across 50+ events, showing just how massive our tech community has become.

Looking at the job market, tech positions are seriously lucrative:

• Cloud Architect: These professionals make around $201,572 by designing and managing cloud solutions.
• Machine Learning Engineer: With a salary of about $165,999, they develop and optimize machine learning models.
• Data Scientist: Earning approximately $160,617, they analyze and interpret complex data sets.

These aren't just jobs - they're opportunities to be part of Hawaii's digital transformation while making bank! Companies like Blue Ocean Barns and Instant Teams are revolutionizing everything from robotics to fintech, creating amazing career paths for local talent.

Whether you're into AI, machine learning, or cloud computing, Honolulu's tech scene is the place to be. Get ready as we break down the top 10 tech positions shaping our island's future!

Looking at the tech job scene in Honolulu for 2025, I'm excited to share how we ranked these amazing opportunities. Based on fresh data from Nucamp's latest research, Cloud Architects are leading the pack with salaries between $130K-$160K, while Machine Learning Engineers follow closely at $120K-$150K. The tech industry here is seriously growing, with a 15% expansion and over 3,000 new jobs added just last year.

What's really interesting is that major players like AWS (holding 34% market share) are actively seeking talent in cloud computing and cybersecurity.

Our methodology looked at three main factors:

1. Salary potential: Tech jobs offer competitive salaries, often exceeding other industries.
2. Required skills: In-demand skills include Python, cloud platform expertise, and AI tool proficiency.
3. Job responsibilities: Managers prioritize positions that entail high responsibility and impact.

According to recent market predictions, AI engineering roles are becoming super hot, with about 60% of tech managers prioritizing these positions.

The skills that really matter now include Python, cloud platform expertise, and AI tool proficiency. Companies are getting more selective too - they're increasing technical interview score requirements by 12%, making it crucial to really know your stuff.

What's cool is that being in Honolulu actually gives us an edge - the median household income here is $103,096, which is pretty solid for tech professionals starting their careers.

In Honolulu's growing tech scene, Cloud Architects are leading the salary rankings, pulling in between $130,000 to $160,000 annually.

These tech pros design and implement cloud systems while tackling complex architectural challenges. The role requires serious skills in AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud platforms, plus solid programming chops in Java, Python, and Ruby.

Cloud Architects need deep expertise in routing, switching, wireless technologies, and security protocols to create reliable, high-performance systems.

They're basically the masterminds behind making sure everything runs smoothly in the digital space. The job market is seriously hot right now, with solutions architect positions offering competitive packages ranging from $87,000 to $154,000 depending on experience and specialization.

Despite Honolulu's job opening rate being slightly lower than the national average at 3.9%, the tech sector is crushing it with 15% growth and over 3,000 new jobs added last year.

Cloud Architects aren't just technical wizards; they're problem solvers who need to think ahead and figure out how to scale systems as companies grow. If you're thinking about getting into this field, focus on building a strong foundation in infrastructure as code, networking, and security - these skills are absolutely essential for success in 2025 and beyond.

The role of Machine Learning Engineer is seriously taking off in Honolulu's tech scene, with salaries ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 in 2025.

These engineers are crushing it by creating AI models and predictive systems that solve real-world problems. The job market is absolutely buzzing - there's a projected 40% increase in ML positions by 2027, with 2.6 million jobs globally.

Working as an ML engineer means getting hands-on with Python, TensorFlow, and the latest AI governance tools, plus staying up-to-date with the newest tech developments.

Companies like Deloitte, American Savings Bank, and GEICO are actively hiring ML engineers in Honolulu right now.

The work is super varied - from building healthcare analytics systems to creating fintech solutions. Hawaiian Electric is even offering ML/AI internships starting at $18-22 per hour, which is perfect for getting your foot in the door.

The best part? You don't always need a traditional degree - what matters most is your skills in programming, data analysis, and ability to work with AI tools.

With tech companies investing heavily in Hawaii's digital infrastructure, including Google's billion-dollar investment in undersea cables, the opportunities for ML engineers are just getting started.

If you're thinking about getting into machine learning, now's definitely the time to jump in.

With tech companies investing heavily in Hawaii's digital infrastructure, the opportunities for ML engineers are just getting started. If you're thinking about getting into machine learning, now's definitely the time to jump in.

• Salary range: The role of Machine Learning Engineer boasts high salaries ranging from $120,000 to $150,000 in 2025.
• Projection for ML jobs: There's a projected 40% increase in ML positions by 2027, with 2.6 million jobs globally.
• Active hiring companies: Companies like Deloitte, American Savings Bank, and GEICO are hiring ML engineers in Honolulu.
• Internship opportunities: Hawaiian Electric is offering ML/AI internships starting at $18-22 per hour, ideal for newcomers.
• Investment in infrastructure: Google's billion-dollar investment in undersea cables boosts ML engineering opportunities.

Data Scientists in Honolulu are absolutely crushing it in 2025, with salaries ranging from $115,000 to $145,000.

The role is experiencing a massive 35% growth as companies race to turn their data into gold. Working at places like Booz Allen Hamilton, data scientists are diving deep into data exploration, cleaning, analysis, and visualization to uncover game-changing insights.

What's cool is that you don't just crunch numbers - you're actually solving real problems and helping companies make smarter decisions.

The skillset is pretty intense but totally worth it.

You've got to master Python, R, and SQL, plus get comfortable with visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI. Machine learning is huge too - companies want people who can build predictive models that actually work.

The best part? Government positions at places like the U.S. Army Pacific are offering competitive salaries starting at $75,640 with room to grow, plus sweet benefits like telework options.

Looking at the bigger picture, data science is becoming super critical for basically every industry in Honolulu - from healthcare to finance.

Companies need people who can handle massive datasets and turn them into actionable strategies. With the right mix of technical skills and problem-solving abilities, you can seriously make your mark in this field.

The demand is real, and the opportunities are everywhere - whether you're into startups or want to work for major tech companies setting up shop in paradise.

In 2025, Software Engineering in Honolulu is transforming the tech scene. With salaries reaching up to $160,000 for experienced developers, over 5,000 new tech positions are opening up.

The job goes way beyond just coding - software engineers are designing complex systems, creating APIs, and building solutions that actually matter. According to recent market research, major players like Hawaii Pacific Health, Amazon, and Google are actively recruiting, with Python, Java, and JavaScript being the most in-demand skills.

What's really cool is that many companies are offering remote and hybrid work options, making the work-life balance pretty sweet.

The tech scene here is seriously growing, with software engineers playing key roles in everything from maintaining critical systems to developing new applications.

Companies are looking for people who can handle full-stack development, cloud computing, and data analysis. While a computer science degree helps, what really matters is having solid programming skills and the ability to work well in teams.

The best part? Many roles don't even require a traditional degree anymore - practical skills and experience can totally get you in the door.

Key areas where software engineers are making an impact:

• Full-stack development with modern frameworks
• Cloud architecture and deployment
• API design and implementation
• Mobile app development
• Machine learning integration

With the rise of AI and automation, software engineers who can adapt and learn new technologies quickly are absolutely crushing it in the job market.

The future of tech in Honolulu is looking bright, especially for those ready to dive into innovative projects and collaborative environments.

As a Network Security Engineer in Honolulu, you'll be the digital guardian keeping networks safe from cyber threats.

The salary range is impressive, starting at $97,760 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $195,750 for experienced professionals. These tech defenders handle everything from implementing security protocols to monitoring network traffic and responding to security breaches.

According to recent industry data, Network Security Engineers earn an average of $128,441, with opportunities for growth through specialized certifications and experience.

The skill requirements are intense - you need to master network security protocols, encryption technologies, and incident response.

Essential skills include firewall management, vulnerability scanning, and risk analysis.

While most employers want a bachelor's degree in computer science or cybersecurity, what really matters is your ability to protect networks and handle real-world security challenges.

Certifications like CCNP and CompTIA Security+ can give you an edge in the job market.

Looking at the bigger picture, Hawaii's tech scene is growing fast, with Honolulu ranking in the top 20 metro areas for cybersecurity demand.

There's been a 27% increase in job postings since 2020, with over 2,500 positions opening yearly:

• Tech Scene Growth: Honolulu is experiencing rapid tech growth, ranking in the top 20 metro areas for cybersecurity demand.
• Job Openings Surge: A 27% increase in job postings since 2020, with over 2,500 positions opening yearly, highlights the demand for tech professionals.
• Attractive Perks: Companies offer attractive perks like remote work options, paid volunteer days, and surf sabbaticals, aligning with the island lifestyle.

The best part? Many companies offer sweet perks like remote work options, paid volunteer days, and even surf sabbaticals - making this career path not just financially rewarding but also perfectly aligned with the island lifestyle.

With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated, Network Security Engineers are becoming more crucial than ever for protecting organizations' digital assets.

As a Cybersecurity Engineer in Honolulu, you're literally at the frontline of digital defense, with salaries reaching $106,980 and an incredible 32% job growth through 2032.

The job market is seriously heating up - there are over 4,000 open positions in Hawaii right now! I've been researching this field, and it's wild to see how cybersecurity roles focus on ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems across different sectors.

The University of Hawaii Maui College just got a $1 million grant from Google for cybersecurity training, which is pretty amazing for anyone looking to break into this field.

Major employers like Hawaiian Electric and military contractors are constantly searching for talent, and the best part? There's literally zero percent unemployment in cybersecurity.

The key skills you need include network security, ethical hacking, and cloud security - plus certifications like CISSP and CEH really make you stand out. Entry-level positions start around $80,004 to $96,012, and the growth potential is massive.

The demand is especially strong in defense, government, and finance sectors, making it an awesome career choice for anyone interested in tech and security. With remote work options becoming more common and the field constantly evolving, it's honestly never been a better time to jump into cybersecurity.

DevOps Engineers in Honolulu are seriously changing the game in 2025, with key responsibilities spanning from cloud infrastructure management to coding in multiple languages like Python, Java, and Ruby.

The role has evolved way beyond basic IT tasks - we're talking about professionals who bridge the gap between coding and engineering, making systems work faster and smarter.

The average salary hitting $150,068 makes it one of the most attractive tech careers right now. DevOps Engineers focus on automating processes, optimizing application performance, and maintaining high-quality software, which is crucial for companies looking to stay competitive.

The coolest part? You get to work with cutting-edge tools like Ansible, Chef, and Puppet while building and improving IT systems that actually make a difference.

Want to break into this field? Communication skills are just as important as technical know-how - you'll need to collaborate with different teams and stakeholders throughout projects.

The demand is growing at an 8% rate through 2028, and with major tech companies expanding their presence in Hawaii, now's literally the perfect time to jump into DevOps.

Getting certified in Docker, Kubernetes, or AWS DevOps can seriously boost your chances of landing these high-paying positions. Just remember, it's not just about knowing the tools - it's about understanding how to make systems work better together.

In Honolulu's tech landscape of 2025, Information Security Analysts are earning an average of $106,980, with the field experiencing zero percent unemployment.

The demand is real - there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions globally by 2025, making this career path seriously attractive. As an analyst, you'll be working with major employers like Hawaiian Electric and military contractors, focusing on network security, ethical hacking, and cloud security.

The role has gotten way more intense lately - analysts are responsible for performing security audits, conducting risk assessments, and making crucial recommendations to enhance data system security.

The University of Hawaii Maui College is leading the charge in training future cybersecurity pros, thanks to a $1 million grant from Google for hands-on security training.

What's really exciting is that entry-level positions are offering between $51-64 per hour, with opportunities to grow into senior roles.

The job requires staying sharp with the latest security tools, including endpoint detection and email security systems. If you're into problem-solving and want to be part of something big, this field is growing at a mind-blowing 32% through 2032.

Plus, with Hawaii's tech sector showing a 38.4% growth rate in information services, the opportunities are just getting started.

Penetration Testers simulate cyberattacks on systems and networks before real hackers can exploit them.

The average salary for this role in Honolulu hits around $125,550, with experienced professionals earning up to $195,750 - not bad for getting paid to hack! The work involves finding weaknesses in everything from cloud infrastructures to mobile apps, and honestly, it's pretty exciting.

We're basically professional problem-solvers who help companies stay one step ahead of cyber threats.

The tech scene here is growing fast, and companies are scrambling to find skilled pen testers.

To succeed in this field, you need to master tools like Kali Linux, Nmap, and Wireshark - they're basically the Swiss Army knives of ethical hacking. According to industry experts, the most successful pen testers combine technical skills with creative thinking since we're constantly dealing with new types of threats and security challenges.

Programming knowledge in Python and Bash is super important, and you've got to stay current with the latest hacking techniques.

What makes this role even more interesting is how it's evolving.

Recent industry reports show that pen testers are increasingly working with AI-powered tools and focusing on cloud security testing.

We're not just looking for basic vulnerabilities anymore - we're dealing with sophisticated attack scenarios that require both technical expertise and analytical thinking.

Plus, with remote work becoming more common, many pen testing jobs offer flexible working arrangements, which is a huge plus for maintaining work-life balance.

In 2025, the role of an AI Research Scientist in Honolulu is transforming how we think about tech careers. Recent job postings reveal starting salaries around $76,960, with experienced professionals earning well above $130,000 annually.

The work is incredibly meaningful - these scientists are creating AI solutions that tackle real-world problems, especially in healthcare and community development.

What makes this role extra interesting is how it combines technical skills with social impact. According to industry experts, the key to success includes mastering Python, machine learning libraries, and staying excited about emerging AI developments.

Major tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are actively expanding their presence in Honolulu, creating tons of opportunities for research scientists who want to make a difference.

The work involves developing AI algorithms, running experiments to improve machine learning models, and turning complex AI concepts into practical solutions. What's really compelling is how the role combines technical expertise with real-world impact - whether it's improving healthcare access, developing smarter city systems, or creating more efficient business solutions.

The field is growing super fast, with a projected 35% increase in demand, making it an incredible time to jump into AI research. If you're thinking about this career path, focus on building strong programming skills, especially in Python, and don't forget about the ethical aspects of AI development - it's becoming just as important as the technical stuff.

The tech scene in Honolulu is absolutely exploding with amazing opportunities for anyone looking to build an incredible career. I've been researching the landscape for 2025, and the salary potential is seriously impressive - Cloud Architects are making up to $160K, with Machine Learning Engineers close behind at $150K.

The coolest part? These aren't just random numbers - they're backed by real market data and growing demand.

Want to get in on this? The path is pretty clear.

According to recent predictions, the tech job market is going through a major transformation with AI and cloud computing leading the charge.

You'll need to level up your skills in areas like Python, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and cybersecurity. The best part is you don't need a traditional four-year degree - coding bootcamps and specialized certifications can get you there faster.

Here's what makes this even better - Hawaii's job market is especially promising with a 15% growth in the tech sector and over 3,000 new jobs added just last year.

Companies are actively looking for people who can handle AI tools, cloud systems, and data analysis. If you're thinking about making the jump into tech, now is literally the perfect time.

The market is strong, the salaries are competitive, and the opportunities for growth are everywhere. Just make sure to focus on practical experience and real-world projects - that's what employers are really looking for in 2025.