East Honolulu vs Hilo: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between East Honolulu, HI and Hilo, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Honolulu, HI | Hilo, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,689▲ | $77,140 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.31▲ | $37.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,448 | $57,218▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,663▲ | $66,193 |
| 75th Percentile | $94,709 | $95,072▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,609▲ | $113,485 |
| Total Employed | 12▲ | 7 |
Verdict
East Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between East Honolulu and Hilo is $2,549 (3.30%). East Honolulu's median is +16.95% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Honolulu spans $63,161,Hilo spans $56,267. East Honolulu 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, East Honolulu ($66,797 effective) pays 3.30% more than Hilo ($64,661 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,689/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,609)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,797)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in East Honolulu grew -0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.5% growth in Hilo over the same period.
East Honolulu, HI
$76,016 (2024) → $75,606 (2025)
Hilo, HI
$73,585 (2024) → $73,188 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: East Honolulu or Hilo?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Honolulu and Hilo?
Should I relocate from East Honolulu to Hilo as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in East Honolulu vs Hilo?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov