Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Hilo, Hawaii
The median substance abuse counselor salary in Hilo, HI is $79,536 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Substance Abuse Counselor Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)
Hilo offers a median substance abuse counselor salary of $79,536, which is $8,948 below the Hawaii state average of $88,484. Compared to the national median of $49,710, 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 $79,536 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,326. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.
The salary range for substance abuse counselors in Hilo spans from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $131,200 at the 90th percentile — a $83,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior substance abuse counselors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Hilo by Experience
In Hilo, an entry-level substance abuse counselor earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI
| Percentile | Hilo |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,800 |
| Median (50th) | $79,536 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $131,200 |
Substance Abuse Counselor Salary in Other Hawaii Cities
How to Become a Substance Abuse Counselor in Hilo
Education
Most substance abuse counselor positions require a bachelor's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, substance abuse counselor employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs in Hilo
Browse open substance abuse counselor positions in Hilo, HI: