Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $37.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a licensed practical nurse working in Hilo, HI runs $37.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,061 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2061). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,236 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hilo, Hawaii, the licensed practical nurse hourly pay is projected to be $37.05 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median hourly rate of $32.73. This higher compensation reflects the unique cost of living in Hawaii, alongside the specialized skills required for various healthcare environments. For those working part-time, such as a licensed practical nurse clocking in three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a decent income while balancing personal commitments. Entry-level LPNs can expect around $29.84 per hour, with experienced professionals reaching up to $47.18, showcasing a competitive range that can accommodate both newly licensed candidates and seasoned practitioners throughout Hilo’s skilled nursing facilities, home health settings, and other healthcare locations.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.84 | $238.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.44 | $275.50 |
| Median (P50) | $37.05 | $296.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.73 | $349.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.18 | $377.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $37.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.05/hr, a licensed practical nurse working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $77,060 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,457. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,481.91 | $6,422 | $77,060 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $889.15 | $3,853 | $46,236 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $592.77 | $2,569 | $30,824 |
Compare LPN Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (Hilo) | $37.05 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
| Nursing Assistant (CNA) (National Avg) | $18.60 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $19.70 |
| Home Health / Personal Care Aide (National Avg) | $16.80 |
Licensed Practical Nurses in Hilo, HI earn a median of $77,061 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $68,071 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $81,202.
Licensed Practical Nurse Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.05/hr = $46,236/year (purchasing power: $38,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,060/year (purchasing power: $64,593).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+51.5%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Hilo grew 35.6% from $25.84/hr (2019) to $35.05/hr (2025). At a 5.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.16/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem licensed practical nurses can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Licensed Practical Nurse in Hilo
Part-time licensed practical nurses in Hilo working a 24-hour week may take home approximately $46,640 annually, which is a crucial consideration for those seeking flexibility in their careers. For per diem roles, the pay can vary widely; typically, per diem licensed practical nurses earn between $28 and $42 per hour, while agency nurses in high-demand environments may see rates climb to $45-$60. The type of employer also influences compensation, with skilled nursing facilities and hospitals often offering different pay scales than physician offices or hospice care. Some LPNs may accept lower hourly wages for greater benefits, such as health insurance, which can be a trade-off worth considering. When negotiating hourly pay, it's effective to discuss your specific skills, like IV therapy or experience in long-term care, which can position you as a valuable asset to prospective employers in Hilo.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for licensed practical nurses in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time licensed practical nurses make in Hilo?
Are licensed practical nurses in Hilo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time licensed practical nurse make per year in Hilo?
Do licensed practical nurses earn more per hour working part-time in Hilo?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for licensed practical nurses in Hilo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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