Economicsat University of Hawaii at Manoa
Graduates earn $35,041/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Economics average. Base-case 10-year earnings $598K; scenarios range from $538K to $610K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Hawaii at Manoa
The earnings data for UH Manoa Economics graduates reflects the unique dynamics of Hawaii's labor market. The island economy, while robust in tourism and government, offers a different landscape than major mainland hubs, with fewer high-paying corporate finance or consulting roles that typically drive high economic major salaries elsewhere. Many graduates find rewarding careers in local government, non-profits, or small to medium-sized businesses, where compensation aligns with the regional cost of living and industry structure. Given the "Very High" AI risk for Economics nationally, focusing your studies on advanced data analysis, econometrics, and critical thinking skills will be crucial. Actively pursue internships with organizations like the State of Hawaii, local banks, or large hospitality groups, and network diligently to build a professional path that leverages your analytical abilities within the islands' specific opportunities.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Hawaii at Manoa's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Economics
How University of Hawaii at Manoa stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Hawaii at Manoa
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Hawaii at Manoa, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Economics offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Economics trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Economics at University of Hawaii at Manoa
What does a 51/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Economics at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
At 51/100, the score looks reasonable — but Economics is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Economics at University of Hawaii at Manoa?
The 56% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is University of Hawaii at Manoa a good choice for Economics despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Hawaii at Manoa's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.