H1B Jobs in Hawaii: 2025 Employer & Salary Guide
Hawaii is a smaller but unique H1B market dominated by defense contractors, the University of Hawaii research system, and healthcare. Honolulu files roughly 1,800 H1B petitions annually. The state's Asia-Pacific gateway position attracts international companies. Median wage is $90,000.
Top H1B Employers in Hawaii
- • University of Hawaii, 250+ annual petitions (cap-exempt)
- • Booz Allen Hamilton, 150+ petitions (defense/federal)
- • Leidos, 130+ petitions (defense IT)
- • SAIC, 120+ petitions (defense systems)
- • Kaiser Permanente Hawaii, 110+ petitions
- • Queens Health System, 100+ petitions
- • Chaminade University, 80+ petitions
- • NOAA/PIFSC, 50+ petitions
Top Cities for H1B Jobs in Hawaii
- • Honolulu, tech, healthcare, research, defense
- • Pearl City, military/defense contractors
- • Kailua, military, technology
- • Hilo, University of Hawaii Hilo, research
- • Maui, hospitality tech, healthcare
Most Common H1B Job Titles in Hawaii
- • Software Engineer (defense): $100,000–$150,000
- • Research Scientist (UH): $75,000–$120,000
- • Registered Nurse: $90,000–$125,000
- • Cybersecurity Analyst: $95,000–$140,000
- • Oceanographer/Marine Scientist: $70,000–$110,000
- • Systems Engineer: $95,000–$140,000
Key Industries Sponsoring H1B in Hawaii
Defense and federal contracting (Booz Allen, Leidos, SAIC) is the largest H1B sector given Hawaii strategic Pacific military presence. University of Hawaii (cap-exempt) sponsors research in oceanography, astronomy (Mauna Kea), and marine biology. Healthcare systems (Kaiser, Queens) sponsor nurses and physicians. Hospitality technology adds a unique Hawaii-specific sector.
Tips for H1B Job Seekers in Hawaii
- → University of Hawaii is cap-exempt, no lottery for research, postdoc, and faculty positions
- → Honolulu defense contractors (Booz Allen, SAIC, Leidos) heavily sponsor cybersecurity and IT roles
- → Cost of living in Honolulu is extremely high (150% of national average), negotiate wages accordingly
- → NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and affiliated UH research groups sponsor marine scientists
- → Hawaii isolation means fewer remote H1B options, most roles require physical Honolulu presence
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hawaii a good state for H1B jobs?
Hawaii is a niche H1B market with strengths in defense IT contracting, university research, and healthcare. Not a tech hub like California, but offers unique opportunities in oceanography, marine science, defense systems, and Asia-Pacific business.
What are the main H1B industries in Hawaii?
Defense IT contracting (Booz Allen, Leidos, SAIC), University of Hawaii research (oceanography, astronomy, marine biology), healthcare (Kaiser, Queens), and tourism-adjacent technology.
Does University of Hawaii sponsor H1B?
Yes. UH is cap-exempt, filing 200–250 H1B petitions annually for postdocs, research scientists, and faculty. The Mauna Kea observatory complex also sponsors astronomers through UH.
What is the H1B prevailing wage in Honolulu?
Honolulu prevailing wages: software engineers $90,000–$140,000, nurses $90,000–$125,000, research scientists $75,000–$115,000. Wages appear competitive but cost of living significantly reduces real purchasing power.
Are there H1B jobs outside Honolulu in Hawaii?
Limited. Maui has some hospitality tech and healthcare roles. The Big Island (Hilo) has UH Hilo and Mauna Kea research positions. Most substantial H1B sponsors are concentrated in Honolulu.
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