Hilo vs Kahului: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Hilo, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,873▲ | $60,585 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.08▲ | $29.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,267▲ | $52,074 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,469▲ | $58,819 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,277▲ | $89,706 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,453▲ | $89,706 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 40▲ |
Verdict
Hilo, HI offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Hilo and Kahului is $62,288 (102.81%). Hilo's median is +13.21% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $119,186,Kahului spans $37,632. 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, Hilo ($102,995 effective) pays 85.97% more than Kahului ($55,383 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($122,873/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($190,453)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,995)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Hilo grew -2.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.5% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$122,264 (2024) → $118,948 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$60,790 (2019) → $58,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors more: Hilo or Kahului?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov