Originally Posted by
channa
This does not necessarily follow.
Supply and demand drive market forces. Demand to live in Hawaii is extremely high, and jobs are scarce, which reduces wage pressure. This is a bit of an old
study that describes the phenomenon. The minimum wage in Hawaii is no different than that of Mississippi.
I've known people who have moved there and experienced significant pay cuts.
So while rent is likely high for the space, wages are probably in line with other call centers. And ability to recruit Japanese speakers is probably excellent, which comes in handy due to UA's NRT hub.
If wages and overall costs are in line, then the agents must be very creative about surviving in such a high cost area. Perhaps the main justification for hnl is to serve Japan or do they also have a call center in Japan?
Interesting article!