Trades & Labor Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Hilo, HI is $84,064 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$84,064
vs State Avg
$-9,457
vs National
+$31,524
Cost of Living
152%

Heavy Equipment Operator Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $84,064, which is $9,457 below the Hawaii state average of $93,521. Compared to the national median of $52,540, 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 $84,064 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,305. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Hilo spans from $54,400 at the 10th percentile to $134,400 at the 90th percentile — a $80,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,000. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
+$21,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,400
+$32,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,000
+$48,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $54,400
25th Percentile $65,600
Median (50th) $84,064
75th Percentile $108,800
90th Percentile $134,400

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$96,148
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$93,521
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$92,470
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$89,318
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Hilo

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Hilo

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Hilo

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $84,064 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $54,400 (10th percentile) to $134,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,064, a heavy equipment operator in Hilo earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Hilo's median heavy equipment operator salary of $84,064 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $93,521. 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 heavy equipment operator salary of $84,064 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Hilo? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Hilo require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.