Healthcare Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median respiratory therapist salary in Hilo, HI is $112,864 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$112,864
vs State Avg
$-12,697
vs National
+$42,324
Cost of Living
152%

Respiratory Therapist Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median respiratory therapist salary of $112,864, which is $12,697 below the Hawaii state average of $125,561. Compared to the national median of $70,540, 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 $112,864 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $74,253. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for respiratory therapists in Hilo spans from $76,800 at the 10th percentile to $158,400 at the 90th percentile — a $81,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,000, while senior respiratory therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,000. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level respiratory therapist earns around $80,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,000
+$30,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$115,200
+$43,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,000
+$57,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $76,800
25th Percentile $91,200
Median (50th) $112,864
75th Percentile $137,600
90th Percentile $158,400

Respiratory Therapist Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$129,088
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$125,561
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$124,150
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$119,918
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Respiratory Therapist in Hilo

Education

Most respiratory therapist positions require a associate's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Ventilator ManagementPulmonary Function TestingABG AnalysisOxygen TherapyCritical CarePatient Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, respiratory therapist employment is projected to grow 14% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Respiratory Therapist Jobs in Hilo

Browse open respiratory therapist positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Respiratory Therapist Salary in Hilo

How much does a Respiratory Therapist make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median respiratory therapist salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $112,864 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $70,540. Salaries range from $76,800 (10th percentile) to $158,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Respiratory Therapist make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $112,864, a respiratory therapist in Hilo earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for respiratory therapist pay? ▼
Hilo's median respiratory therapist salary of $112,864 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $125,561. 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 respiratory therapist salary of $112,864 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a respiratory therapist in Hilo? ▼
Most respiratory therapist positions in Hilo require a associate's degree. Key skills include Ventilator Management, Pulmonary Function Testing, ABG Analysis, Oxygen Therapy. The job market is projected to grow 14% nationally over the next decade.