Creative & Education Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

ESL Teacher Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median esl teacher salary in Hilo, HI is $85,120 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$85,120
vs State Avg
$-10,080
vs National
+$29,120
Cost of Living
152%

ESL Teacher Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median esl teacher salary of $85,120, which is $10,080 below the Hawaii state average of $95,200. Compared to the national median of $56,000, 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 $85,120 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $56,000. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for esl teachers in Hilo spans from $54,720 at the 10th percentile to $133,760 at the 90th percentile — a $79,040 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,760, while senior esl teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,680. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

ESL Teacher Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level esl teacher earns around $57,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,680 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,760
+$19,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,640
+$29,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,680
+$43,680 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $54,720
25th Percentile $66,880
Median (50th) $85,120
75th Percentile $109,440
90th Percentile $133,760

ESL Teacher Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$98,000
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$95,200
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$94,080
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$90,720
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a ESL Teacher in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

ESL MethodsLesson PlanningCultural CompetencyAssessmentPatienceCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, esl teacher employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find ESL Teacher Jobs in Hilo

Browse open esl teacher positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: ESL Teacher Salary in Hilo

How much does a ESL Teacher make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median esl teacher salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $85,120 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $56,000. Salaries range from $54,720 (10th percentile) to $133,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a ESL Teacher make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,120, a esl teacher in Hilo earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for esl teacher pay? ▼
Hilo's median esl teacher salary of $85,120 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $95,200. 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 esl teacher salary of $85,120 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a esl teacher in Hilo? ▼
Most esl teacher positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include ESL Methods, Lesson Planning, Cultural Competency, Assessment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.