Healthcare Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Registered Nurse Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median registered nurse salary in Hilo, HI is $129,952 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$129,952
vs State Avg
$-14,620
vs National
+$48,732
Cost of Living
152%

Registered Nurse Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median registered nurse salary of $129,952, which is $14,620 below the Hawaii state average of $144,572. Compared to the national median of $81,220, 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 $129,952 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $85,495. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for registered nurses in Hilo spans from $91,840 at the 10th percentile to $193,280 at the 90th percentile — a $101,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $92,800, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $184,000. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $92,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $184,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$92,800
+$34,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$131,200
+$49,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$184,000
+$69,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $91,840
25th Percentile $106,880
Median (50th) $129,952
75th Percentile $161,760
90th Percentile $193,280

Registered Nurse Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$148,633
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$144,572
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$142,947
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$138,074
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse 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 Registered Nurse Jobs in Hilo

Browse open registered nurse positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Hilo

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median registered nurse salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $129,952 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $91,840 (10th percentile) to $193,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,952, a registered nurse in Hilo earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for registered nurse pay? ▼
Hilo's median registered nurse salary of $129,952 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $144,572. 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 registered nurse salary of $129,952 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Hilo? ▼
Most registered nurse positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.