Personal Care & Fitness Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Cosmetologist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median cosmetologist salary in Hilo, HI is $53,322 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$53,322
vs State Avg
$-6,314
vs National
+$18,242
Cost of Living
152%

Cosmetologist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median cosmetologist salary of $53,322, which is $6,314 below the Hawaii state average of $59,636. Compared to the national median of $35,080, 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 $53,322 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $35,080. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for cosmetologists in Hilo spans from $33,440 at the 10th percentile to $88,160 at the 90th percentile — a $54,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,480, while senior cosmetologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Cosmetologist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level cosmetologist earns around $36,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,480
+$12,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$54,720
+$18,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,600
+$28,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $33,440
25th Percentile $41,040
Median (50th) $53,322
75th Percentile $69,920
90th Percentile $88,160

Cosmetologist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$61,390
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$59,636
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$58,934
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$56,830
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Cosmetologist in Hilo

Education

Most cosmetologist positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Hair StylingColor TheorySkincareMakeup ApplicationClient RelationsSanitation

Job Outlook

Nationally, cosmetologist 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 Cosmetologist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open cosmetologist positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Cosmetologist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Cosmetologist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median cosmetologist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $53,322 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $35,080. Salaries range from $33,440 (10th percentile) to $88,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Cosmetologist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,322, a cosmetologist in Hilo earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for cosmetologist pay? ▼
Hilo's median cosmetologist salary of $53,322 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $59,636. 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 cosmetologist salary of $53,322 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a cosmetologist in Hilo? ▼
Most cosmetologist positions in Hilo require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Hair Styling, Color Theory, Skincare, Makeup Application. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.