Creative & Education Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Social Worker Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median social worker salary in Hilo, HI is $84,132 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$84,132
vs State Avg
$-9,963
vs National
+$28,782
Cost of Living
152%

Social Worker Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median social worker salary of $84,132, which is $9,963 below the Hawaii state average of $94,095. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $84,132 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $55,350. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for social workers in Hilo spans from $55,328 at the 10th percentile to $133,456 at the 90th percentile — a $78,128 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,760, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,640. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Social Worker Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level social worker earns around $57,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,760
+$19,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,120
+$29,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,640
+$42,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $55,328
25th Percentile $67,184
Median (50th) $84,132
75th Percentile $107,008
90th Percentile $133,456

Social Worker Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$96,863
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$94,095
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$92,988
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$89,667
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Social Worker in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Hilo

Browse open social worker positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Hilo

How much does a Social Worker make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median social worker salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $84,132 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $55,328 (10th percentile) to $133,456 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,132, a social worker in Hilo earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for social worker pay? ▼
Hilo's median social worker salary of $84,132 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $94,095. 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 social worker salary of $84,132 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Hilo? ▼
Most social worker positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.