Hilo vs Kahului: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Hilo, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,061▲ | $76,791 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.05▲ | $36.92 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,066 | $62,712▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,618▲ | $69,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,954▲ | $84,000 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,134▲ | $88,947 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Hilo, HI offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Hilo and Kahului is $270 (0.35%). Hilo's median is +13.21% 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,Kahului spans $26,235. Hilo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kahului ($70,197 effective) pays 8.67% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,061/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,134)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,197)
- ✓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 48.1% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$72,453 (2024) → $72,905 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$49,050 (2019) → $72,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Hilo or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Kahului as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Hilo vs Kahului?
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