Accountant Salary in Hilo, HI: $97,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time accountant in Hilo, HI earns a median $97,205/year (≈ $46.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 13-2011). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $81,479 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for accountants in Hilo, Hawaii, is projected to reach $97,205, reflecting the premium that a CPA license can confer upon professionals in this field. The salary range for accountants spans from $67,978 at the 10th percentile to $150,667 at the 90th percentile, indicating significant earning potential for those with experience or specialized skills. These figures, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variations, highlight the competitive nature of accounting salaries in Hilo. With a market that offers compelling compensation for skilled accountants, Hilo remains an attractive option for those pursuing careers in this essential profession.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,978 | $32.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,966 | $37.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,205 | $46.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $124,422 | $59.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $150,667 | $72.43 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the accountant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,689 (2026 est.). At $97,205, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $85,864.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Accountant Pay Compares
Hilo median: $97,205/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $102,428 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $85,864 | +13.21% more |
Accountants in Hilo, HI earn a median of $97,205 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $85,864 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $102,428.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilo has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilo, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $97,205 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $81,479 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$81,000
2025 BLS Actual
$94,732
2026 Current Est.
$97,205
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Salary Trajectory for Accountants in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.61% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,000 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,275 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,453 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,302 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,566 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,732 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,742 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median accountant salary grew 17.0% from $81,000 (2019) to $94,732 (2025). At a 2.61% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,742 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,742 (23.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.61% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $67,978 – $78,966 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,966 – $97,205 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,205 – $124,422 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $124,422 – $150,667 |
CPA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual accountant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Accountant Job Market in Hilo
In the current local job market, Hilo employs seven accountants, which suggests a tight-knit community of professionals navigating their careers. The cost-of-living index of 119.3 confirms that living expenses are higher than the national average, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power. Among the diverse employers in Hilo, the Big 4 public accounting firms generally provide the highest salaries, followed by mid-tier firms and corporate accounting roles. Variabilities in pay are influenced by several factors, including specialization in areas such as tax, valuation, or forensic accounting, as well as the level of professional licensure. For accountants aiming to maximize their salary in Hilo, pursuing CPA licensure and considering positions with larger firms may yield the best financial outcomes, especially when factoring in the potential for bonuses and overtime during peak seasons.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $94,732 for accountantsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 2.61% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.61%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for accountants (SOC 13-2011).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov