High-paying Jobs in the City and County of Honolulu: Beyond IT and Medicine

The City and County of Honolulu is known for its vibrant and diverse job market, with a range of opportunities that extend far beyond the typical tech, medical, and sales positions often highlighted. In my experience, potential tenants rent apartments from me, and it’s clear that some of the best paying jobs in the area are those that take advantage of the unique features of living in Hawaii. Here, I explore a few surprising high-paying roles that you may not expect.

Bartender: A Thriving Profession in Honolulu

Bartending is a job that leverages the unique time zones and global appeal of Honolulu. The city’s strategic location means that visitors from various time zones are always drawn to the nightlife. With Honolulu’s noon being 6:00 PM in New York, you’ll find tourists from the eastern U.S. starting their nights during Honolulu’s lunch hours. Then, as Europeans and Asians descend, the number of thirsty patrons ensures that a bartender’s schedule is never dull. This ever-present demand in the nightlife scene can make it one of the higher-paying jobs in the city.

Sushi Butcher: The Art of Sushi-Cutting

Sushi Butcher is another surprisingly lucrative position in Honolulu. The art of sushi cutting is highly regarded and steeped in tradition. A single misstep can ruin a dish, making precision and skill paramount. Hawaii’s unique cuisine, including poke, adds an extra layer of complexity to the art form. In Japan, the process of cutting and preparing sushi is considered an art. However, in Hawaii, it's a business where delicacy and tradition blend to create exquisite dishes, making it a challenging but rewarding career for those with a keen eye and steady hand.

Substitute Teacher: A Flexible and Generous Offering

Substitute teaching in Honolulu can be both a flexible and lucrative choice. Before the surf season kicks off, regular teachers often leave to catch the waves, creating a rich environment for substitute teachers. The substitute teaching rate in Honolulu is surprisingly high—up to $108 per day, which can be comparable to or even exceed the standards in other major U.S. cities like the District of Columbia, which was paying $126 per day at the time. Additionally, substitute teachers in Hawaii generally don’t need a college degree unless specifically required, making it a feasible alternative for those seeking consistent work without committing to a full-time position.

Other High-paying Opportunities in Honolulu

Aside from the three occupations discussed, there are several other high-paying jobs in Honolulu that are worth considering. These include:

Hospitality: With the constant influx of tourists, hospitality roles such as concierge, event planner, or tour guide can offer high salaries, especially for those in leadership positions. Professional Services: Sectors such as accounting, law, and engineering provide excellent career opportunities for those with advanced expertise. Real Estate: The thriving tourism and residential real estate markets in Honolulu can generate significant income for professionals in this field.

While the tech, medical, and sales sectors continue to dominate the discussion around high-paying jobs, the City and County of Honolulu offers a myriad of opportunities that cater to diverse skill sets and interests. Whether you’re drawn to the nightlife, the culinary arts, or the dynamic education sector, there’s a rewarding career waiting for you in Honolulu.

Conclusion

The City and County of Honolulu provides a rich tapestry of high-paying job opportunities beyond the traditional sectors. From the popular jobs in IT and medicine to the unique and unexpected roles like bartending and sushi cutting, there are plenty of options that can help you achieve your career goals in this vibrant and diverse environment.