Hawaii Paycheck Calculator

Hawaii Income Tax Rate

Hawaii uses progressive brackets with one of the nation’s higher top marginal rates, though most workers fall into lower tiers. Employers begin with gross pay, subtract pre-tax benefits (traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, Section 125 health premiums), then apply federal withholding, FICA, and Hawaii state tables using your HW-4 elections and pay frequency. Credits and dependent allowances can shift per-check results. Hawaii does not impose separate city wage taxes, so state plus federal are your primary income-tax layers. The table shows the top rate or flat equivalent by year; your effective rate will be lower, depending on income and deductions.

Hawaii Median Household Income

Hawaii’s median household income is high relative to the U.S., reflecting strong tourism, healthcare, education, government, construction, and professional services. Pandemic shocks moderated growth, but tight labor markets, population shifts, and sector resilience supported gains afterward. Use the values below as nominal, directional benchmarks when budgeting or evaluating job offers. For purchasing power, compare “real” (inflation-adjusted) dollars and consider housing, transportation, food, and childcare—costs that can be elevated on the islands. Medians vary notably by island and county (Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii), so pair these statewide figures with local data for precise planning.

Hawaii Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA)

FICA funds Social Security and Medicare and applies to Hawaii wages like anywhere in the U.S. Employees pay 6.2% Social Security on wages up to the annual wage base (employers match) and 1.45% Medicare on all wages (also matched). High earners owe an additional 0.9% Medicare surtax above the federal threshold; employers do not match that surtax. Section 125 health premiums typically reduce both income-tax and FICA wages, while traditional 401(k) reduces income-tax wages but not FICA. Your pay stub will usually list Social Security, Medicare, federal income tax, and Hawaii income tax as separate lines.

Hawaii Number of Cities with Local Income Taxes

Hawaii does not impose local (county/city) wage income taxes. Paychecks generally show federal withholding, FICA, and the statewide Hawaii income tax only.

How Your Hawaii Paycheck Works

Your paycheck starts with gross wages per period. Payroll subtracts pre-tax benefits—traditional 401(k), HSA/FSA, commuter, and pre-tax insurance—to reach taxable wages. Withholding then includes federal income tax (W-4), FICA (Social Security/Medicare), and Hawaii state income tax using HW-4 elections and your pay frequency. Hawaii has no city wage tax. Post-tax items (Roth 401(k), garnishments, charitable contributions) come out after taxes and do not reduce taxable wages. Pay schedule—weekly, biweekly, semimonthly, or monthly—changes per-check amounts but not your annual liability. Review stubs after address, status, or benefit changes to keep withholding accurate.

Hawaii Wage and Hour Laws: Overtime, Pay Frequency

Overtime: Hawaii follows FLSA—most non-exempt employees earn 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek; exemptions apply when duties and salary thresholds are met.
Pay frequency: Employers must set regular paydays and pay on consistent intervals; biweekly and semimonthly schedules are common. Final-pay timelines and itemized wage-statement rules apply under state and federal law—check employer policy and any contract terms for specifics.

Hawaii FAQs

How do I use the Hawaii Paycheck Calculator?

Enter gross pay, pay schedule, HW-4 details, pre-tax benefits, and post-tax deductions to estimate federal, FICA, and Hawaii withholding.

What are Hawaii’s current income tax brackets?

Hawaii uses progressive brackets with a high top rate; your effective rate depends on income, filing status, and available credits.

Do any Hawaii cities have a wage income tax?

No. There are no municipal wage income taxes; only federal, FICA, and state withholding appear on most paychecks.

How do pre-tax 401(k) and HSA contributions affect my check?

They reduce taxable wages for income tax, increasing take-home pay. 401(k) doesn’t cut FICA wages; many health premiums do.

Are bonuses taxed differently in Hawaii?

State withholding follows Hawaii tables; federally, employers may use percentage or aggregate methods for supplemental wages like bonuses.

Why did my Hawaii withholding change this year?

Rate updates, HW-4 changes, benefit elections, and supplemental pay can alter per-check withholding even at the same salary.

What is Hawaii’s minimum wage situation?

Hawaii sets a statewide minimum wage by statute; employers must pay at least the current effective rate for your pay period.

How often must I be paid in Hawaii?

Employers maintain regular paydays and pay consistently—commonly biweekly or semimonthly—subject to timing and recordkeeping rules.