Business & Finance Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Tax Preparer Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median tax preparer salary in Hilo, HI is $70,361 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$70,361
vs State Avg
$-8,332
vs National
+$24,071
Cost of Living
152%

Tax Preparer Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median tax preparer salary of $70,361, which is $8,332 below the Hawaii state average of $78,693. Compared to the national median of $46,290, 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 $70,361 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $46,290. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for tax preparers in Hilo spans from $38,000 at the 10th percentile to $133,760 at the 90th percentile — a $95,760 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $42,560, while senior tax preparers 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.

Tax Preparer Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level tax preparer earns around $42,560, 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)
$42,560
+$14,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,960
+$24,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,640
+$42,640 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $38,000
25th Percentile $48,640
Median (50th) $70,361
75th Percentile $98,800
90th Percentile $133,760

Tax Preparer Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$81,008
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$78,693
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$77,767
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$74,990
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Tax Preparer in Hilo

Education

Most tax preparer positions require a high school diploma. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Tax LawTax SoftwareFinancial RecordsAttention to DetailClient CommunicationIRS Regulations

Job Outlook

Nationally, tax preparer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Tax Preparer Jobs in Hilo

Browse open tax preparer positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Tax Preparer Salary in Hilo

How much does a Tax Preparer make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median tax preparer salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $70,361 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $46,290. Salaries range from $38,000 (10th percentile) to $133,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Tax Preparer make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,361, a tax preparer in Hilo earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for tax preparer pay? ▼
Hilo's median tax preparer salary of $70,361 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $78,693. 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 tax preparer salary of $70,361 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a tax preparer in Hilo? ▼
Most tax preparer positions in Hilo require a high school diploma. Key skills include Tax Law, Tax Software, Financial Records, Attention to Detail. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.