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Learn more about average salaries, cost of living, and expenses in the Hawai'i region.

Salaries

$37,900 for first-year teachers to $56,500 for second-year licensed teachers in Hawai’i. Corps members are independently hired by our partner schools and are employees of the Hawai‘i State Department of Education. They are responsible for meeting certification requirements and are not paid by Teach For America.

Your monthly take-home pay will vary based on various factors, such as the cost of health insurance, tax withholdings, and license status. You can estimate your pre-tax yearly schedule by referencing the 2021-22 Teacher Salary ScheduleTeachers typically receive their first paycheck from the Department of Education roughly one month after the first day of school.

Benefits

Benefits offered to teachers by the Hawai‘i State Department of Education include:

  • Health benefits
  • Tax-deferred programs
  • Retirement, service, and incentive awards
  • Workers' compensation
  • Temporary disability insurance

More information can be found at the Hawai‘i State Department of Education website

Moving Costs

First Month's Rent and Deposit: 

  • Single: $3,800​​​​​​​
  • Shared: $2,200

Rent & Utilities 

Monthly Rent: 

  • Single: $1,800
  • Shared: $1,000

Estimated Monthly Utilities: $285

Living Expenses

The cost of living in Hawai‘i is over 85 percent higher than the national average according to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. Compared to the national average:

  • Groceries are 68 percent higher
  • Utilities are 83.6 percent higher
  • Transportation is 39.7 percent higher
  • Health insurance is 11.8 percent higher

Sample Living Expenses:

  • Monthly transit pass: $70
  • Monthly internet: $40-$90
  • Gallon of milk: $5-$9

Transportation

Corps members are strongly encouraged to have a car for daily transportation. Corps members have purchased used cars when on island and some have also shipped their cars to Hawai‘i.