Software Engineer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii
The median software engineer salary in Hilo, HI is $182,574 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median and 10.9% below the Hawaii state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)
Hilo offers a median software engineer salary of $182,574, which is $22,356 below the Hawaii state average of $204,930. Compared to the national median of $124,200, 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 $182,574 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $120,114. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for software engineers in Hilo spans from $109,662 at the 10th percentile to $291,913 at the 90th percentile — a $182,251 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $114,660, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $271,950. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Software Engineer Salary in Hilo by Experience
In Hilo, an entry-level software engineer earns around $114,660, while experienced professionals earn up to $271,950 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI
| Percentile | Hilo |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $109,662 |
| 25th Percentile | $144,354 |
| Median (50th) | $182,574 |
| 75th Percentile | $232,554 |
| 90th Percentile | $291,913 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Hilo
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Hilo
Browse open software engineer positions in Hilo, HI: