Construction & Real Estate Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Interior Designer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median interior designer salary in Hilo, HI is $93,617 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$93,617
vs State Avg
$-11,086
vs National
+$32,027
Cost of Living
152%

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

Hilo offers a median interior designer salary of $93,617, which is $11,086 below the Hawaii state average of $104,703. Compared to the national median of $61,590, 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 $93,617 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $61,590. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for interior designers in Hilo spans from $51,680 at the 10th percentile to $164,160 at the 90th percentile — a $112,480 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,720, while senior interior designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Interior Designer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level interior designer earns around $54,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,720
+$18,720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$95,760
+$32,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
+$52,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $51,680
25th Percentile $66,880
Median (50th) $93,617
75th Percentile $124,640
90th Percentile $164,160

Interior Designer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$107,783
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$104,703
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$103,471
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$99,776
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Interior Designer in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Space PlanningAutoCAD/SketchUpColor TheoryMaterial SelectionProject ManagementClient Relations

Job Outlook

Nationally, interior designer 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 Interior Designer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open interior designer positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Interior Designer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Interior Designer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median interior designer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $93,617 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $61,590. Salaries range from $51,680 (10th percentile) to $164,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interior Designer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $93,617, a interior designer in Hilo earns approximately $45 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for interior designer pay? ▼
Hilo's median interior designer salary of $93,617 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $104,703. 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 interior designer salary of $93,617 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a interior designer in Hilo? ▼
Most interior designer positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Space Planning, AutoCAD/SketchUp, Color Theory, Material Selection. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.