Hilo vs Urban Honolulu: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $122,873▲ | $78,684 |
| Hourly Rate | $59.08▲ | $37.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,267▲ | $49,646 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,469▲ | $54,356 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,277▲ | $156,675 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,453 | $324,620▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 460▲ |
Verdict
Hilo and Urban Honolulu are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hilo and Urban Honolulu is $44,189 (56.16%). 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,Urban Honolulu spans $274,974. Urban Honolulu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hilo ($102,995 effective) pays 45.24% more than Urban Honolulu ($70,911 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 purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,995)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($324,620)
- ✓Larger job market (460 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 21.6% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$122,264 (2024) → $118,948 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$62,630 (2019) → $76,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays financial advisors 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 financial advisor?
What do entry-level financial advisors earn in Hilo vs Urban Honolulu?
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