Hilo vs Urban Honolulu: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse salaries between Hilo, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,298 | $146,655▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.91 | $70.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,798 | $86,765▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,142 | $106,879▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,957 | $151,794▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,914▲ | $159,355 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 9,680▲ |
Verdict
Urban Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Urban Honolulu is $30,357 (26.10%). Urban Honolulu's median is +42.76% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $75,116,Urban Honolulu spans $72,590. Hilo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Urban Honolulu ($132,168 effective) pays 35.58% more than Hilo ($97,484 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,914)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($146,655/year)
- ✓Larger job market (9,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,168)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Hilo grew -18.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.7% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$134,717 (2024) → $110,434 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$112,620 (2019) → $139,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays registered nurses more: Hilo or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Urban Honolulu as a registered nurse?
What do entry-level registered nurses earn in Hilo vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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 Jordan Lee, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov