Creative & Education Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

College Professor Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median college professor salary in Hilo, HI is $127,498 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$127,498
vs State Avg
$-15,098
vs National
+$43,618
Cost of Living
152%

College Professor Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median college professor salary of $127,498, which is $15,098 below the Hawaii state average of $142,596. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 $127,498 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $83,880. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for college professors in Hilo spans from $68,400 at the 10th percentile to $255,360 at the 90th percentile — a $186,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $72,960, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $243,200. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

College Professor Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level college professor earns around $72,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $243,200 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)
$130,720
+$44,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$243,200
+$83,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $68,400
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $127,498
75th Percentile $182,400
90th Percentile $255,360

College Professor Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$146,790
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$142,596
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$140,918
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$135,886
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a College Professor in Hilo

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor 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 College Professor Jobs in Hilo

Browse open college professor positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Hilo

How much does a College Professor make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median college professor salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $127,498 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $68,400 (10th percentile) to $255,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $127,498, a college professor in Hilo earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for college professor pay? ▼
Hilo's median college professor salary of $127,498 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $142,596. 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 college professor salary of $127,498 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Hilo? ▼
Most college professor positions in Hilo require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.