Construction & Real Estate Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Urban Planner Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median urban planner salary in Hilo, HI is $120,901 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$120,901
vs State Avg
$-14,317
vs National
+$41,361
Cost of Living
152%

Urban Planner Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median urban planner salary of $120,901, which is $14,317 below the Hawaii state average of $135,218. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 $120,901 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $79,540. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for urban planners in Hilo spans from $76,000 at the 10th percentile to $185,440 at the 90th percentile — a $109,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $79,040, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $179,360. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level urban planner earns around $79,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $179,360 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$79,040
+$27,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$123,120
+$42,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$179,360
+$61,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $76,000
25th Percentile $95,760
Median (50th) $120,901
75th Percentile $152,000
90th Percentile $185,440

Urban Planner Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$139,195
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$135,218
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$133,627
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$128,855
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Urban Planner in Hilo

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner 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 Urban Planner Jobs in Hilo

Browse open urban planner positions in Hilo, HI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Hilo

How much does a Urban Planner make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $120,901 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $76,000 (10th percentile) to $185,440 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,901, a urban planner in Hilo earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for urban planner pay? ▼
Hilo's median urban planner salary of $120,901 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $135,218. 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 urban planner salary of $120,901 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Hilo? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Hilo require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.