HCLS1‑associated protein X‑1 (HAX‑1) is highly expressed or overexpressed in various types of human tumor, and its overexpression is associated with cancer metastasis and cellular proliferation. However, the precise molecular mechanism involved in HAX‑1‑associated proliferation and metastasis in hypopharyngeal carcinoma is unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of HAX‑1 in the metastasis and proliferation of hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and western blotting indicated that HAX‑1 was overexpressed in hypopharyngeal carcinoma specimens. MTT, clone formation and transwell assays were performed to detect the effects of HAX‑1 knockdown or overexpression on the major oncogenic properties of the FaDu hypopharyngeal carcinoma cell line. Downregulation of HAX‑1 was observed to significantly suppress cellular proliferation, migration and clonal. By contrast, overexpression of HAX‑1 significantly promoted cellular proliferation, migration and clonal formation. Furthermore, HAX‑1 knockdown markedly suppressed epithelial‑mesenchymal transition. In conclusion, HAX‑1 is a potential oncogene, and may promote the tumorigenesis and progression of hypopharyngeal carcinoma, as well as serve as a valuable molecular target for the treatment of hypopharyngeal carcinoma.