Senior Financial Advisor Salary in Hilo, HI: $190,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of financial advisors working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $190,453/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 13-2052. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $159,642 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Financial professionals with extensive experience in Hilo, Hawaii, can anticipate lucrative salaries, especially at the top of the pay spectrum. In 2026, the anticipated earnings for the highest-earning financial advisors in Hilo can reach an impressive $190,453, with those in the 75th percentile earning around $157,277. This significant gap between the median annual salary of $122,873 and the earnings of top-tier professionals illustrates the substantial experience premium attached to the role. To break into this elite echelons of financial advisors, mastering niche specializations and developing a robust client base are essential, along with a commitment to continuous professional development through advanced certifications and networking within the financial community.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced financial advisors at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $157,277 and $190,453 per year (2026 est.). This $119,186 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $122,873 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top CFP, FA Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $122,873 | $108,537 |
| 75th Percentile | $157,277 | $182,624 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $190,453 | $368,802 |
In Hilo, experienced financial advisors (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Financial Advisor Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI financial advisors with additional specialty certifications within the financial planning field earn significantly above the $122,873 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Financial Advisors focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the financial planning field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $157,277–$190,453 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced financial advisors who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured financial advisors in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Financial Advisors in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Financial Advisor Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Financial Advisor
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Financial Advisor
5-10 yearsFinancial Advisor Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #9 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner financial advisor salary (90th percentile: $190,453).
Top 10% financial advisor compensation in Hilo ($190,453) is 33.53% below the Hawaii average P90 ($286,523).
2024 BLS Actual
$153,084
2025 BLS Actual
$184,369
2026 Current Est.
$190,453
2024–2027 Growth
+28.5%
Salary Trajectory for Financial Advisors in Hilo (2024–2027)
2024–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.30% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $153,084 | Actual |
| 2025 | $184,369 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $190,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $196,738 | Projected |
Top-earning financial advisors (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 20.4% from $153,084 in 2024 to $184,369 in 2025, based on 2 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.30% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $196,738 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2024–2025) 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 3.30% CAGR derived from 2-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Financial Advisor Earnings in Hilo
The pathway to maximizing senior financial advisor pay in HI often hinges on the specialization chosen. Areas such as high-net-worth (HNW) private wealth management, estate planning, and cross-border financial strategies tend to attract premium compensation. Different employer structures also influence earnings potential; advisors at prestigious wirehouses like Morgan Stanley or UBS typically follow a commission-based model, while Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) may command fees based on assets under management, positioning them favorably in an evolving market. Advancing through the ranks, advisors can transition from junior positions to partner or founder roles, particularly in RIAs. Furthermore, possessing advanced designations like CFP, CFA, or CPA can enhance earning potential significantly while appealing to high-end clients. In Hilo, non-salary incentives, such as equity stakes and client retention strategies, also play a vital role in total compensation for senior advisors, making it a field ripe with opportunity for those willing to excel.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced financial advisors make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher financial advisor pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost financial advisor salary in Hilo?
Can experienced financial advisors make six figures in Hilo?
How much does financial advisor salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $184,369 for financial advisors in the Hilo metro area. A 3.30% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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 3.30%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for financial advisors (SOC 13-2052).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov