Legal Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Lawyer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median lawyer salary in Hilo, HI is $206,325 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$206,325
vs State Avg
$-24,433
vs National
+$70,585
Cost of Living
152%

Lawyer Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median lawyer salary of $206,325, which is $24,433 below the Hawaii state average of $230,758. Compared to the national median of $135,740, 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 $206,325 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $135,740. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for lawyers in Hilo spans from $98,800 at the 10th percentile to $363,584 at the 90th percentile — a $264,784 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $106,400, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $334,400. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Lawyer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level lawyer earns around $106,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $334,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$106,400
+$36,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$209,760
+$71,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$334,400
+$114,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $98,800
25th Percentile $129,200
Median (50th) $206,325
75th Percentile $282,720
90th Percentile $363,584

Lawyer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Hilo

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open lawyer positions in Hilo, HI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Lawyer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $206,325 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $98,800 (10th percentile) to $363,584 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $206,325, a lawyer in Hilo earns approximately $99 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Hilo's median lawyer salary of $206,325 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $230,758. 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 lawyer salary of $206,325 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Hilo? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Hilo require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.