Trades & Labor Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Painter Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median painter salary in Hilo, HI is $71,520 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$71,520
vs State Avg
$-8,046
vs National
+$26,820
Cost of Living
152%

Painter Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median painter salary of $71,520, which is $8,046 below the Hawaii state average of $79,566. Compared to the national median of $44,700, 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 $71,520 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $47,053. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for painters in Hilo spans from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $112,000 at the 90th percentile — a $64,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,600, while senior painters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,600. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Painter Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level painter earns around $49,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,600
+$18,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,000
+$27,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,600
+$39,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $71,520
75th Percentile $91,200
90th Percentile $112,000

Painter Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Painter in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Painter Jobs in Hilo

Browse open painter positions in Hilo, HI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Hilo

How much does a Painter make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median painter salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $71,520 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $112,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,520, a painter in Hilo earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for painter pay? ▼
Hilo's median painter salary of $71,520 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $79,566. 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 painter salary of $71,520 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Hilo? ▼
Most painter positions in Hilo require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.