Healthcare Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Optometrist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median optometrist salary in Hilo, HI is $200,944 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$200,944
vs State Avg
$-22,606
vs National
+$75,354
Cost of Living
152%

Optometrist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median optometrist salary of $200,944, which is $22,606 below the Hawaii state average of $223,550. Compared to the national median of $125,590, 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 $200,944 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $132,200. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for optometrists in Hilo spans from $124,800 at the 10th percentile to $307,200 at the 90th percentile — a $182,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $131,200, while senior optometrists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $284,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Optometrist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level optometrist earns around $131,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $284,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$131,200
+$49,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$204,800
+$76,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$284,800
+$106,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $124,800
25th Percentile $160,000
Median (50th) $200,944
75th Percentile $252,800
90th Percentile $307,200

Optometrist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$229,830
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$223,550
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$221,038
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$213,503
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Optometrist in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Eye ExaminationRefractionContact Lens FittingOcular DiseasePatient EducationDiagnostic Equipment

Job Outlook

Nationally, optometrist employment is projected to grow 9% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Optometrist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open optometrist positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Optometrist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Optometrist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median optometrist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $200,944 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $125,590. Salaries range from $124,800 (10th percentile) to $307,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Optometrist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $200,944, a optometrist in Hilo earns approximately $97 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for optometrist pay? ▼
Hilo's median optometrist salary of $200,944 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $223,550. 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 optometrist salary of $200,944 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a optometrist in Hilo? ▼
Most optometrist positions in Hilo require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Eye Examination, Refraction, Contact Lens Fitting, Ocular Disease. The job market is projected to grow 9% nationally over the next decade.