Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hilo, HI: $208,818 (2026)

Air Traffic Controller Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median air traffic controller salary of $208,818, which is $24,728 below the Hawaii state average of $233,546. Compared to the national median of $137,380, 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 $208,818 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $137,380. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for air traffic controllers in Hilo spans from $124,640 at the 10th percentile to $300,960 at the 90th percentile — a $176,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $129,200, while senior air traffic controllers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $288,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level air traffic controller earns around $129,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $288,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$129,200

+$44,200 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$212,800

+$72,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$288,800

+$98,800 vs national

Percentile	Hilo	HI State	National
10th Percentile	$124,640	$139,400	$82,000
25th Percentile	$164,160	$183,600	$108,000
Median (50th)	$208,818	$233,546	$137,380
75th Percentile	$266,000	$297,500	$175,000
90th Percentile	$300,960	$336,600	$198,000

Percentile

Hilo

10th Percentile

$124,640

25th Percentile

$164,160

Median (50th)

$208,818

75th Percentile

$266,000

90th Percentile

$300,960

How to Become a Air Traffic Controller in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Radar SystemsCommunicationDecision MakingStress ManagementFAA RegulationsSituational Awareness

Job Outlook

Nationally, air traffic controller employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hilo

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make in Hilo, HI? ▼

The median air traffic controller salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $208,818 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $137,380. Salaries range from $124,640 (10th percentile) to $300,960 (90th percentile).

How much does a Air Traffic Controller make per hour in Hilo? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $208,818, a air traffic controller in Hilo earns approximately $100 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for air traffic controller pay? ▼

Hilo's median air traffic controller salary of $208,818 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $233,546. 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 air traffic controller salary of $208,818 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a air traffic controller in Hilo? ▼

Most air traffic controller positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Radar Systems, Communication, Decision Making, Stress Management. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Air Traffic Controller Salary in Hilo, Hawaii