Creative & Education Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Graphic Designer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median graphic designer salary in Hilo, HI is $88,145 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$88,145
vs State Avg
$-10,438
vs National
+$30,155
Cost of Living
152%

Graphic Designer Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median graphic designer salary of $88,145, which is $10,438 below the Hawaii state average of $98,583. Compared to the national median of $57,990, 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 $88,145 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,990. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for graphic designers in Hilo spans from $55,328 at the 10th percentile to $149,264 at the 90th percentile — a $93,936 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,760, while senior graphic designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,760. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Graphic Designer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level graphic designer earns around $57,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,760 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)
$88,160
+$30,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,760
+$45,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $55,328
25th Percentile $69,008
Median (50th) $88,145
75th Percentile $113,392
90th Percentile $149,264

Graphic Designer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$101,483
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$98,583
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$97,423
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$93,944
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Graphic Designer in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Adobe Creative SuiteTypographyLayout DesignColor TheoryBrandingUI Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, graphic designer 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 Graphic Designer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open graphic designer positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Graphic Designer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Graphic Designer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median graphic designer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $88,145 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $57,990. Salaries range from $55,328 (10th percentile) to $149,264 (90th percentile).
How much does a Graphic Designer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,145, a graphic designer in Hilo earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for graphic designer pay? ▼
Hilo's median graphic designer salary of $88,145 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $98,583. 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 graphic designer salary of $88,145 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a graphic designer in Hilo? ▼
Most graphic designer positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Adobe Creative Suite, Typography, Layout Design, Color Theory. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.