Engineering Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median mechanical engineer salary in Hilo, HI is $146,391 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$146,391
vs State Avg
$-17,336
vs National
+$50,081
Cost of Living
152%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $146,391, which is $17,336 below the Hawaii state average of $163,727. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 $146,391 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,310. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Hilo spans from $96,368 at the 10th percentile to $222,224 at the 90th percentile — a $125,856 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $98,800, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $209,760. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $98,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,800
+$33,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$145,920
+$49,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$209,760
+$71,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $96,368
25th Percentile $119,776
Median (50th) $146,391
75th Percentile $181,792
90th Percentile $222,224

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$168,543
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$163,727
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$161,801
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$156,022
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $146,391 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $96,368 (10th percentile) to $222,224 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $146,391, a mechanical engineer in Hilo earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Hilo's median mechanical engineer salary of $146,391 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $163,727. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $146,391 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Hilo? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.