Trades & Labor Hilo, HI Pop. 45,703

Welder Salary in Hilo, Hawaii

The median welder salary in Hilo, HI is $75,216 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median and 10.1% below the Hawaii state average.

City Median
$75,216
vs State Avg
$-8,462
vs National
+$28,206
Cost of Living
152%

Welder Pay in Hilo: What to Expect (2026)

Hilo offers a median welder salary of $75,216, which is $8,462 below the Hawaii state average of $83,678. Compared to the national median of $47,010, 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 $75,216 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $49,484. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Hilo should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for welders in Hilo spans from $53,120 at the 10th percentile to $113,280 at the 90th percentile — a $60,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,200, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,800. Hilo is a smaller market (pop. 45,703), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Hilo by Experience

In Hilo, an entry-level welder earns around $51,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,200
+$19,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,800
+$28,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,800
+$40,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Hilo, HI

Percentile Hilo
10th Percentile $53,120
25th Percentile $62,080
Median (50th) $75,216
75th Percentile $93,120
90th Percentile $113,280

Welder Salary in Other Hawaii Cities

How to Become a Welder in Hilo

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder 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 Welder Jobs in Hilo

Browse open welder positions in Hilo, HI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Hilo

How much does a Welder make in Hilo, HI? ▼
The median welder salary in Hilo, Hawaii is $75,216 per year, which is 60.0% above the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $53,120 (10th percentile) to $113,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Hilo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,216, a welder in Hilo earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Hilo compare to the Hawaii state average for welder pay? ▼
Hilo's median welder salary of $75,216 is 10.1% below the Hawaii state average of $83,678. 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 welder salary of $75,216 in Hilo has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Hilo? ▼
Most welder positions in Hilo require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.