Media & Communications Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Translator Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median translator salary in Hilo, HI is $86,777 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$86,777
vs State Avg
$-10,276
vs National
+$29,687
Cost of Living
152%

Translator Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median translator salary of $86,777, which is $10,276 below the Hawaii state average of $97,053. Compared to the national median of $57,090, 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 $86,777 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $57,090. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for translators in Hilo spans from $48,640 at the 10th percentile to $153,520 at the 90th percentile — a $104,880 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,200, while senior translators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,400. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Translator Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level translator earns around $53,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$53,200
+$18,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,160
+$30,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,400
+$49,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $48,640
25th Percentile $63,840
Median (50th) $86,777
75th Percentile $118,560
90th Percentile $153,520

Translator Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Translator in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyCAT ToolsCultural KnowledgeProofreadingSubject Matter ExpertiseAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, translator 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 Translator Jobs in Hilo

Browse open translator positions in Hilo, HI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Translator Salary in Hilo

How much does a Translator make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median translator salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $86,777 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $48,640 (10th percentile) to $153,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Translator make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $86,777, a translator in Hilo earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for translator pay? ▼
Hilo's median translator salary of $86,777 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $97,053. 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 translator salary of $86,777 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a translator in Hilo? ▼
Most translator positions in Hilo require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Bilingual Fluency, CAT Tools, Cultural Knowledge, Proofreading. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.