Hilo vs Honolulu: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Hilo, HI and Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $154,941 | $173,740▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $74.49 | $83.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $123,775 | $124,278▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $140,175 | $148,047▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $183,460 | $210,583▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $200,726 | $232,027▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 68▲ |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Honolulu is $18,799 (12.13%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $76,951,Honolulu spans $107,749. Honolulu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse practitioners.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($145,633 effective) pays 12.13% more than Hilo ($129,875 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,740/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,027)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,633)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Hilo grew -3.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.4% growth in Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$155,094 (2024) → $149,774 (2025)
Honolulu, HI
$173,913 (2024) → $167,946 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Hilo or Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Honolulu as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Hilo vs Honolulu?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov