Creative & Education Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

School Counselor Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median school counselor salary in Hilo, HI is $91,413 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$91,413
vs State Avg
$-10,825
vs National
+$31,273
Cost of Living
152%

School Counselor Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median school counselor salary of $91,413, which is $10,825 below the Hawaii state average of $102,238. Compared to the national median of $60,140, 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 $91,413 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $60,140. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for school counselors in Hilo spans from $58,064 at the 10th percentile to $144,096 at the 90th percentile — a $86,032 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $60,800, while senior school counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,200. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

School Counselor Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level school counselor earns around $60,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$60,800
+$20,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,200
+$31,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,200
+$44,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $58,064
25th Percentile $71,440
Median (50th) $91,413
75th Percentile $115,824
90th Percentile $144,096

School Counselor Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$105,245
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$102,238
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$101,035
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$97,427
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a School Counselor in Hilo

Education

Most school counselor positions require a master's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CounselingCollege PlanningCrisis InterventionGroup FacilitationActive ListeningStudent Assessment

Job Outlook

Nationally, school counselor 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 School Counselor Jobs in Hilo

Browse open school counselor positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: School Counselor Salary in Hilo

How much does a School Counselor make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median school counselor salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $91,413 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $60,140. Salaries range from $58,064 (10th percentile) to $144,096 (90th percentile).
How much does a School Counselor make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,413, a school counselor in Hilo earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for school counselor pay? ▼
Hilo's median school counselor salary of $91,413 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $102,238. 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 school counselor salary of $91,413 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a school counselor in Hilo? ▼
Most school counselor positions in Hilo require a master's degree. Key skills include Counseling, College Planning, Crisis Intervention, Group Facilitation. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.