Agriculture & Environment Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median agricultural scientist salary in Hilo, HI is $112,723 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$112,723
vs State Avg
$-13,349
vs National
+$38,563
Cost of Living
152%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $112,723, which is $13,349 below the Hawaii state average of $126,072. Compared to the national median of $74,160, 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 $112,723 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,160. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Hilo spans from $66,880 at the 10th percentile to $185,440 at the 90th percentile — a $118,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,960, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $174,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $72,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $174,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$72,960
+$24,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,520
+$39,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$174,800
+$59,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $66,880
25th Percentile $85,120
Median (50th) $112,723
75th Percentile $148,960
90th Percentile $185,440

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist 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 Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Hilo, HI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $112,723 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $66,880 (10th percentile) to $185,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,723, a agricultural scientist in Hilo earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Hilo's median agricultural scientist salary of $112,723 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $126,072. 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 agricultural scientist salary of $112,723 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Hilo? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.