Agriculture & Environment Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Veterinary Technician Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median veterinary technician salary in Hilo, HI is $58,140 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median and 10.6% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$58,140
vs State Avg
$-6,885
vs National
+$19,890
Cost of Living
152%

Veterinary Technician Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median veterinary technician salary of $58,140, which is $6,885 below the Hawaii state average of $65,025. Compared to the national median of $38,250, 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 $58,140 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $38,250. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for veterinary technicians in Hilo spans from $41,040 at the 10th percentile to $83,600 at the 90th percentile — a $42,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,080, while senior veterinary technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $80,560. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Veterinary Technician Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level veterinary technician earns around $44,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,080
+$15,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,280
+$20,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,560
+$27,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $41,040
25th Percentile $48,640
Median (50th) $58,140
75th Percentile $69,920
90th Percentile $83,600

Veterinary Technician Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

Honolulu, HI
$66,938
Pop. 350,964
Kailua, HI
$65,025
Pop. 38,635
Pearl City, HI
$64,260
Pop. 47,698
Waipahu, HI
$61,965
Pop. 38,216

How to Become a Veterinary Technician in Hilo

Education

Most veterinary technician positions require a associate's degree. Hilo and the surrounding Hawaii area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Animal CareLab TechniquesRadiologyAnesthesiaMedical RecordsClient Communication

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinary technician employment is projected to grow 20% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Hilo may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinary Technician Jobs in Hilo

Browse open veterinary technician positions in Hilo, HI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinary Technician Salary in Hilo

How much does a Veterinary Technician make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median veterinary technician salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $58,140 per year, which is 52.0% above the national median of $38,250. Salaries range from $41,040 (10th percentile) to $83,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinary Technician make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,140, a veterinary technician in Hilo earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for veterinary technician pay? ▼
Hilo's median veterinary technician salary of $58,140 is 10.6% below the Hawaii state average of $65,025. 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 veterinary technician salary of $58,140 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinary technician in Hilo? ▼
Most veterinary technician positions in Hilo require a associate's degree. Key skills include Animal Care, Lab Techniques, Radiology, Anesthesia. The job market is projected to grow 20% nationally over the next decade.