Engineering Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median aerospace engineer salary in Hilo, HI is $192,858 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$192,858
vs State Avg
$-22,838
vs National
+$65,978
Cost of Living
152%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $192,858, which is $22,838 below the Hawaii state average of $215,696. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Hilo pays above average for this role.

However, Hilo's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $192,858 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $126,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Hilo spans from $118,560 at the 10th percentile to $291,840 at the 90th percentile — a $173,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $121,600, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $281,200. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $121,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $281,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$121,600
+$41,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$194,560
+$66,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$281,200
+$96,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $118,560
25th Percentile $152,000
Median (50th) $192,858
75th Percentile $243,200
90th Percentile $291,840

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Hilo

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Hilo

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $192,858 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $118,560 (10th percentile) to $291,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $192,858, a aerospace engineer in Hilo earns approximately $93 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Hilo's median aerospace engineer salary of $192,858 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $215,696. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Hilo, HI? ▼
Hilo has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $192,858 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Hilo? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.