Hilo vs Urban Honolulu: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Hilo, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,916▲ | $86,385 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.75▲ | $41.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,961 | $80,325▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,163 | $86,385▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,710▲ | $111,418 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,767▲ | $111,418 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,630▲ |
Verdict
Hilo, HI offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Urban Honolulu.
The salary gap between Hilo and Urban Honolulu is $2,531 (2.93%). Hilo's median is +13.21% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $73,806,Urban Honolulu spans $31,093. 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, Urban Honolulu ($77,852 effective) pays 4.45% more than Hilo ($74,531 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 ($88,916/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,767)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,630 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,852)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Hilo grew -2.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.7% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$88,302 (2024) → $86,276 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$78,570 (2019) → $83,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Hilo or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Urban Honolulu as a police officer?
What do entry-level police officers earn in Hilo vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov