Hilo vs Honolulu: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $77,061 | $86,411▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.05 | $41.54▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,066 | $62,334▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,618 | $75,682▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,954 | $104,395▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,134 | $113,339▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 68▲ |
Verdict
Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Honolulu is $9,350 (12.13%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $36,068,Honolulu spans $51,005. Honolulu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($72,432 effective) pays 12.13% more than Hilo ($64,594 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 ($86,411/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,339)
- ✓Larger job market (68 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $72,432)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Hilo grew 0.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 0.6% growth in Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$72,453 (2024) → $72,905 (2025)
Honolulu, HI
$81,244 (2024) → $81,751 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hilo or Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Honolulu as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hilo vs Honolulu?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov