Trades & Labor Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Machinist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median machinist salary in Hilo, HI is $78,192 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$78,192
vs State Avg
$-8,797
vs National
+$29,322
Cost of Living
152%

Machinist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median machinist salary of $78,192, which is $8,797 below the Hawaii state average of $86,989. Compared to the national median of $48,870, 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 $78,192 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $51,442. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for machinists in Hilo spans from $51,200 at the 10th percentile to $118,400 at the 90th percentile — a $67,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,400, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $115,200. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Machinist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level machinist earns around $54,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $115,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,400
+$20,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,000
+$30,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$115,200
+$43,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $51,200
25th Percentile $62,400
Median (50th) $78,192
75th Percentile $97,600
90th Percentile $118,400

Machinist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist 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 Machinist Jobs in Hilo

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Machinist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median machinist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $78,192 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $51,200 (10th percentile) to $118,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,192, a machinist in Hilo earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for machinist pay? ▼
Hilo's median machinist salary of $78,192 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $86,989. 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 machinist salary of $78,192 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Hilo? ▼
Most machinist positions in Hilo require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.