Hilo vs Kahului: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $71,376 | $73,596▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.32 | $35.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,152▲ | $49,244 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,700 | $61,395▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $91,361 | $98,619▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,632▲ | $103,089 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Kahului, HI offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Kahului is $2,220 (3.11%). Kahului's median is +14.39% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $58,480,Kahului spans $53,845. 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 ($67,277 effective) pays 12.45% more than Hilo ($59,829 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,632)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($73,596/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,277)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, school counselor salaries in Hilo grew -11.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.5% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$79,245 (2024) → $69,942 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$58,410 (2019) → $72,118 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays school counselors more: Hilo or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Kahului as a school counselor?
What do entry-level school counselors earn in Hilo vs Kahului?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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 Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov