Entry-Level Licensed Practical Nurse Salary in Hilo, HI: $62,066 (2026)
Quick Answer:New licensed practical nurses entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,066 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2061, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $52,025 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($77,061) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the nursing field as licensed practical nurses in Hilo, Hawaii, the starting licensed practical nurse salary in 2026 is projected at $62,066. This initial figure is slightly lower than the median annual salary of $77,061 for LPNs in the city. However, the salary trajectory in Hilo shows potential for growth as new nurses gain experience. With a projected annual increase of roughly $5,552 as new grads advance from the 10th percentile ($62,066) to the 25th ($71,618) within their first few years, Hilo presents a promising job market for recently graduated nurses looking to establish their careers.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Entry-level licensed practical nurses in Hilo, HI typically start between $62,066 and $71,618 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $36,068 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $77,061 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average nursing program cost in Hawaii of $16,000 represents just 25.78% of the starting licensed practical nurse pay ($62,066/year) in Hilo. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on state board of nursing-approved practical nursing programs and ACEN-accredited certificate pathways. Tuition varies by community college, technical school, or hospital-based program setting.
LPN Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level licensed practical nurse pay ranges from $62,066 to $71,618, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the nursing field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Licensed Practical Nurse Compensation Range
The licensed practical nurse wage spread in Hilo is $36,068 ( 58.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,066, experienced hygienists can earn up to $98,134.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$40,799
2025 BLS Actual
$58,719
2026 Current Est.
$62,066
2019–2027 Growth
+60.8%
Salary Trajectory for Licensed Practical Nurses in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,799 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,991 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,799 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,914 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,129 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,719 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,066 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,604 | Projected |
Entry-level licensed practical nurse compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 43.9% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $40,799 in 2019 to $58,719 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,604. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) 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 5.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your nursing Career in Hilo
In the local job market, various employers actively seek new graduates. Skilled nursing facilities are prominent, offering comprehensive on-the-job training that can ease the transition into professional practice. Home health agencies also hire entry-level nurses, often providing flexible scheduling options that appeal to recent graduates balancing other commitments. To boost starting pay in Hawaii, aspiring LPNs should hold an active state license and possess a diploma from an accredited practical nursing program. Additional credentials, such as IV therapy or wound care certifications, can enhance employability and compensation. In a workforce where LPN roles vary significantly by state, understanding local demands and capabilities is crucial. Many new nurses benefit from pursuing LPN-to-RN bridge programs within their first few years to expand their skill set and career prospects, especially as hospital systems increasingly favor registered nurses over LPNs. Realistically, new graduates can expect to see salary growth that aligns with their skill enhancement and advancing responsibilities in the Hilo market.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for licensed practical nurses in Hilo in 2026?
How fast do licensed practical nurse salaries grow in Hilo?
Is nursing school worth it in Hilo?
What do new licensed practical nurses make right out of school in Hilo?
How do I become a licensed practical nurse in Hawaii?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Hawaii
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new nursing graduates. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 5.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for licensed practical nurses (SOC 29-2061).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov