Media & Communications Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median broadcast journalist salary in Hilo, HI is $79,040 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$79,040
vs State Avg
$-9,360
vs National
+$27,040
Cost of Living
152%

Broadcast Journalist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median broadcast journalist salary of $79,040, which is $9,360 below the Hawaii state average of $88,400. Compared to the national median of $52,000, 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 $79,040 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for broadcast journalists in Hilo spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $152,000 at the 90th percentile — a $106,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $50,160, while senior broadcast journalists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,400. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $50,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$50,160
+$17,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,080
+$28,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $57,760
Median (50th) $79,040
75th Percentile $112,480
90th Percentile $152,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$91,000
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$88,400
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$87,360
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$84,240
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Broadcast Journalist in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Broadcast Journalist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open broadcast journalist positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $79,040 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $152,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,040, a broadcast journalist in Hilo earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for broadcast journalist pay? ▼
Hilo's median broadcast journalist salary of $79,040 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $88,400. 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 broadcast journalist salary of $79,040 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a broadcast journalist in Hilo? ▼
Most broadcast journalist positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include On-Air Presentation, Interviewing, Script Writing, Video Editing. The job market is projected to grow -4% nationally over the next decade.