Engineering Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Chemical Engineer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median chemical engineer salary in Hilo, HI is $161,515 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$161,515
vs State Avg
$-19,127
vs National
+$55,255
Cost of Living
152%

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

Hilo offers a median chemical engineer salary of $161,515, which is $19,127 below the Hawaii state average of $180,642. Compared to the national median of $106,260, 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 $161,515 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $106,260. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for chemical engineers in Hilo spans from $103,360 at the 10th percentile to $261,440 at the 90th percentile — a $158,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $106,400, while senior chemical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $246,240. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Chemical Engineer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level chemical engineer earns around $106,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$106,400
+$36,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$164,160
+$56,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,240
+$84,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $103,360
25th Percentile $127,680
Median (50th) $161,515
75th Percentile $209,760
90th Percentile $261,440

Chemical Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$185,955
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$180,642
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$178,517
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$172,141
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Chemical Engineer in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Process EngineeringChemical ProcessesASPENSafety EngineeringQuality ControlThermodynamics

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemical engineer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemical Engineer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open chemical engineer positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Chemical Engineer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Chemical Engineer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median chemical engineer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $161,515 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $106,260. Salaries range from $103,360 (10th percentile) to $261,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemical Engineer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $161,515, a chemical engineer in Hilo earns approximately $78 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for chemical engineer pay? ▼
Hilo's median chemical engineer salary of $161,515 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $180,642. 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 chemical engineer salary of $161,515 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemical engineer in Hilo? ▼
Most chemical engineer positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Process Engineering, Chemical Processes, ASPEN, Safety Engineering. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.