Welder Salary in Hilo, HI: $63,277 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time welder in Hilo, HI earns a median $63,277/year (≈ $30.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 51-4121). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $53,040 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, welders in Hilo, HI, can expect a median annual salary of $63,277, significantly higher than the national average of $55,895, reflecting a notable difference of 13.21%. The local salary range for this profession extends from $48,205 at the 10th percentile to $89,589 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, underline the economic dynamics in Hilo, where factors such as local demand, cost of living, and specialized skills influence compensation. While travel pipe welders have lucrative options with per-diem allowances and tax advantages, local shop pay is a critical consideration for those who choose to remain in Hilo.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,205 | $23.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,876 | $26.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,277 | $30.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,167 | $35.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,589 | $43.07 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the welder salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,384 (2026 est.). At $63,277, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $55,895.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Welder Pay Compares
Hilo median: $63,277/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $66,677 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $55,895 | +13.21% more |
Welders in Hilo, HI earn a median of $63,277 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $55,895 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $66,677.
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 $63,277 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $53,040 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,102
2025 BLS Actual
$60,849
2026 Current Est.
$63,277
2019–2027 Growth
+36.8%
Salary Trajectory for Welders in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.99% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,102 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,219 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,404 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,717 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,849 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,277 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,802 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median welder salary grew 26.5% from $48,102 (2019) to $60,849 (2025). At a 3.99% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,802 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,700 (36.80%) 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 3.99% 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) | $48,205 – $55,876 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,876 – $63,277 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,277 – $74,167 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,167 – $89,589 |
WLD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual welder compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Welder Job Market in Hilo
Hilo's welding job market is relatively small, with only seven welders currently employed, which brings a unique set of challenges and opportunities. The cost of living in the region is indicated by a cost-of-living index of 119.3, implying higher expenses that impact take-home pay. Employers who offer higher compensation tend to be in specialized sectors like oil and gas pipeline welding or aerospace and defense, where advanced certifications, such as the 6G pipe certification, can significantly increase earnings. The variance between low and high pay in Hilo can also be attributed to market conditions, travel options, and the type of welding performed. For those looking to maximize their welder pay in Hilo, investing in specialty certifications and pursuing opportunities within high-demand industries can enhance compensation prospects.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder
Career Analyst
James has over 10 years of experience in welding. He specializes in MIG and TIG welding. He has worked in various manufacturing settings.
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 $60,849 for weldersin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 3.99% 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 3.99%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for welders (SOC 51-4121).
Compiled and verified by James Mendoza, AWS Certified Welder, a licensed welder with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov