Media & Communications Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median public relations specialist salary in Hilo, HI is $102,509 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$102,509
vs State Avg
$-12,139
vs National
+$35,069
Cost of Living
152%

Public Relations Specialist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median public relations specialist salary of $102,509, which is $12,139 below the Hawaii state average of $114,648. Compared to the national median of $67,440, 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 $102,509 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $67,440. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for public relations specialists in Hilo spans from $57,760 at the 10th percentile to $182,400 at the 90th percentile — a $124,640 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $63,840, while senior public relations specialists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $170,240. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level public relations specialist earns around $63,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $170,240 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,840
+$21,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,400
+$36,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$170,240
+$58,240 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $57,760
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $102,509
75th Percentile $138,320
90th Percentile $182,400

Public Relations Specialist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$118,020
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$114,648
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$113,299
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$109,253
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Public Relations Specialist in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Media RelationsPress ReleasesCrisis CommunicationsSocial MediaEvent PlanningBrand Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, public relations specialist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Public Relations Specialist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open public relations specialist positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Public Relations Specialist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Public Relations Specialist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median public relations specialist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $102,509 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $67,440. Salaries range from $57,760 (10th percentile) to $182,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Public Relations Specialist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $102,509, a public relations specialist in Hilo earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for public relations specialist pay? ▼
Hilo's median public relations specialist salary of $102,509 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $114,648. 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 public relations specialist salary of $102,509 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a public relations specialist in Hilo? ▼
Most public relations specialist positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Media Relations, Press Releases, Crisis Communications, Social Media. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.