Creative & Education Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Special Education Teacher Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median special education teacher salary in Hilo, HI is $95,699 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$95,699
vs State Avg
$-11,333
vs National
+$32,739
Cost of Living
152%

Special Education Teacher Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median special education teacher salary of $95,699, which is $11,333 below the Hawaii state average of $107,032. Compared to the national median of $62,960, 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 $95,699 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,960. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for special education teachers in Hilo spans from $63,840 at the 10th percentile to $145,920 at the 90th percentile — a $82,080 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $66,880, while senior special education teachers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $136,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Special Education Teacher Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level special education teacher earns around $66,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $136,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$66,880
+$22,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$97,280
+$33,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$136,800
+$46,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $63,840
25th Percentile $76,000
Median (50th) $95,699
75th Percentile $118,560
90th Percentile $145,920

Special Education Teacher Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$110,180
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$107,032
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$105,773
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$101,995
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Special Education Teacher in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

IEP DevelopmentAdaptive TeachingAssessmentBehavioral ManagementCommunicationPatience

Job Outlook

Nationally, special education teacher employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Special Education Teacher Jobs in Hilo

Browse open special education teacher positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Special Education Teacher Salary in Hilo

How much does a Special Education Teacher make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median special education teacher salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $95,699 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $62,960. Salaries range from $63,840 (10th percentile) to $145,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Special Education Teacher make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $95,699, a special education teacher in Hilo earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for special education teacher pay? ▼
Hilo's median special education teacher salary of $95,699 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $107,032. 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 special education teacher salary of $95,699 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a special education teacher in Hilo? ▼
Most special education teacher positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include IEP Development, Adaptive Teaching, Assessment, Behavioral Management. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.