Pharmacist Salary in Hilo, HI: $162,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time pharmacist in Hilo, HI earns a median $162,440/year (≈ $78.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1051). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $136,161 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The pharmacist salary in Hilo, Hawaii, reflects significant local market dynamics shaped by recent retail chain consolidations. With a projected median annual salary of $162,440 in 2026, pharmacists in Hilo earn more than their counterparts nationwide, who have a median of $143,489. The salary range for this role varies notably from $119,490 at the 10th percentile to $197,536 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a broad scope for pay differentiation based on experience and qualifications. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data that also account for regional price adjustments, making Hilo’s compensation above average when considered against the national context. Such figures present a promising opportunity for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike as they navigate a competitive employment landscape.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($145,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $119,490 | $57.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $151,303 | $72.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $162,440 | $78.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $186,597 | $89.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $197,536 | $94.97 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the pharmacist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,046 (2026 est.). At $162,440, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $143,489.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be above the median
How Hilo Pharmacist Pay Compares
Hilo median: $162,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $171,170 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $143,489 | +13.21% more |
Pharmacists in Hilo, HI earn a median of $162,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $143,489 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $171,170.
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 $162,440 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $136,161 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$145,008
2025 BLS Actual
$159,521
2026 Current Est.
$162,440
2019–2027 Growth
+14.1%
Salary Trajectory for Pharmacists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.83% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $145,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $145,710 | Actual |
| 2021 | $145,551 | Actual |
| 2022 | $150,283 | Actual |
| 2023 | $153,996 | Actual |
| 2024 | $164,151 | Actual |
| 2025 | $159,521 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $162,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $165,413 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median pharmacist salary grew 10.0% from $145,008 (2019) to $159,521 (2025). At a 1.83% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $165,413 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,405 (14.07%) 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 1.83% 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) | $119,490 – $151,303 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $151,303 – $162,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $162,440 – $186,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $186,597 – $197,536 |
PharmD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual pharmacist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Pharmacist Job Market in Hilo
In Hilo, only seven pharmacists actively work in the area, which contributes to a tight job market where opportunities may arise more readily among those with advanced qualifications. The cost of living stands at a higher index of 119.3, indicating that while salaries appear attractive, purchasing power may be impacted by local expenses. Organizations that typically offer better pay include hospital inpatient pharmacies and specialty pharmacies, while retail giants like CVS and Walgreens have downsized, potentially affecting pharmacist pay in those sectors. Employing strategies like pursuing board certifications, gaining experience through residency programs, and seeking clinical specialties can position pharmacists for top-tier roles. Additionally, understanding shifts in the retail pharmacy landscape and adapting to expanding roles in areas such as vaccinations and ambulatory care can also enhance marketability in Hilo, HI.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
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 $159,521 for pharmacistsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 1.83% 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 1.83%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacists (SOC 29-1051).
Compiled and verified by Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov