Hilo vs Urban Honolulu: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $60,704▲ | $46,436 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.18▲ | $22.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,612▲ | $39,443 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,664▲ | $44,518 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,701▲ | $63,671 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,092 | $101,409▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Hilo and Urban Honolulu are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hilo and Urban Honolulu is $14,268 (30.73%). Hilo's median is +13.21% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $54,480,Urban Honolulu spans $61,966. Urban Honolulu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hilo ($50,883 effective) pays 21.59% more than Urban Honolulu ($41,849 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 ($60,704/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,883)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,409)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Hilo grew -35.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -26.4% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$92,830 (2024) → $59,807 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$62,130 (2019) → $45,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents 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 real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Hilo vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov