Journalist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii
The median journalist salary in Hilo, HI is $85,059 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.
Journalist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)
Hilo offers a median journalist salary of $85,059, which is $10,073 below the Hawaii state average of $95,132. Compared to the national median of $55,960, 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 $85,059 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for journalists in Hilo spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $167,200 at the 90th percentile — a $118,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,200, while senior journalists 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.
Journalist Salary in Hilo by Experience
In Hilo, an entry-level journalist earns around $53,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI
| Percentile | Hilo |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48,640 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,800 |
| Median (50th) | $85,059 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $167,200 |
Journalist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities
How to Become a Journalist in Hilo
Education
Most journalist positions require a bachelor's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Journalist Jobs in Hilo
Browse open journalist positions in Hilo, HI: