School Counselor Salary in Hilo, HI: $71,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time school counselor in Hilo, HI earns a median $71,376/year (≈ $34.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 21-1012). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $59,829 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the projected median annual salary for a school counselor in 2026 is $71,376, which exceeds the national median of $64,335 by a noteworthy margin of 10.94%. The salary range for these professionals in Hilo varies significantly, with entry-level positions (P10) earning around $52,152 while those at the higher end (P90) can make up to $110,632. These figures stem from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, reflecting the impact of recent expansions in mental health funding aimed at increasing school counselor hiring in local districts. Thus, there is an encouraging job market for counselors looking to serve the community in Hilo, especially in the aftermath of heightened awareness of mental health needs.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,152 | $25.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,700 | $27.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,376 | $34.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,361 | $43.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,632 | $53.19 |
Median Salary Position
10.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the school counselor salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,480 (2026 est.). At $71,376, the local median is 10.94% above the national median of $64,335.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo School Counselor Pay Compares
Hilo median: $71,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $75,212 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $64,335 | +10.94% more |
School Counselors in Hilo, HI earn a median of $71,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% higher than the national median of $64,335 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $75,212.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilo has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilo, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,376 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,829 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,016
2025 BLS Actual
$69,942
2026 Current Est.
$71,376
2019–2027 Growth
+17.5%
Salary Trajectory for School Counselors in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.05% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,016 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,789 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,386 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,245 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,942 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,839 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median school counselor salary grew 12.8% from $62,016 (2019) to $69,942 (2025). At a 2.05% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,839 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,823 (17.45%) from 2019.
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 2.05% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $52,152 – $57,700 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,700 – $71,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,376 – $91,361 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,361 – $110,632 |
SC, LSC salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual school counselor compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
School Counselor Job Market in Hilo
With only seven school counselors currently employed in Hilo, the local job market shows both potential and challenges. The cost of living index in Hilo stands at 119.3, which indicates that while salaries may appear generous, actual purchasing power can be constrained. To maximize potential earnings, candidates should explore job opportunities across various educational contexts, such as K-12 public and charter schools, where compensation aligns with the step-and-lane pay structure based on years of experience and educational credentials. Schools employing counselors may offer additional stipends for extended duties or specialized programs, which can boost overall pay. Focusing on securing advanced degrees or relevant certifications could also enhance one's placement on the pay scale, making it essential for school counselors to align their qualifications with the specific needs of Hilo's educational environment.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $69,942 for school counselorsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 2.05% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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 2.05%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for school counselors (SOC 21-1012).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov