Construction & Real Estate Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Building Inspector Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median building inspector salary in Hilo, HI is $96,824 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$96,824
vs State Avg
$-11,466
vs National
+$33,124
Cost of Living
152%

Building Inspector Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median building inspector salary of $96,824, which is $11,466 below the Hawaii state average of $108,290. Compared to the national median of $63,700, 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 $96,824 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $63,700. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for building inspectors in Hilo spans from $60,800 at the 10th percentile to $155,040 at the 90th percentile — a $94,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,840, while senior building inspectors 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.

Building Inspector Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level building inspector earns around $63,840, 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)
$63,840
+$21,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$98,800
+$33,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $60,800
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $96,824
75th Percentile $124,640
90th Percentile $155,040

Building Inspector Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$111,475
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$108,290
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$107,016
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$103,194
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Building Inspector in Hilo

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, building inspector 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.

Find Building Inspector Jobs in Hilo

Browse open building inspector positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Hilo

How much does a Building Inspector make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median building inspector salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $96,824 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $60,800 (10th percentile) to $155,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $96,824, a building inspector in Hilo earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for building inspector pay? ▼
Hilo's median building inspector salary of $96,824 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $108,290. 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 building inspector salary of $96,824 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Hilo? ▼
Most building inspector positions in Hilo require a high school diploma. Key skills include Building Codes, Inspection Techniques, Blueprint Reading, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.