Graphic Designer Salary in Hilo, HI: $73,670 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time graphic designer in Hilo, HI earns a median $73,670/year (≈ $35.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 27-1024). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $61,752 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $73,670 in 2026, graphic designers in Hilo, Hawaii, enjoy a robust income that is approximately 13.21% higher than the national median of $65,075. The local salary range spans from $48,349 at the lowest 10th percentile to $114,188 at the top 90th percentile, indicating significant potential for earnings depending on expertise and specialty. Positions focusing on high-demand areas such as motion graphics and brand identity tend to command greater compensation, making these specializations particularly lucrative in the local market. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parity, reflect the unique economic conditions in Hilo, where demand for skilled graphic designers continues to rise alongside other professional sectors.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,349 | $23.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,202 | $27.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,670 | $35.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,297 | $45.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,188 | $54.89 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the graphic designer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,839 (2026 est.). At $73,670, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $65,075.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Graphic Designer Pay Compares
Hilo median: $73,670/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $77,629 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $65,075 | +13.21% more |
Graphic Designers in Hilo, HI earn a median of $73,670 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $65,075 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $77,629.
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 $73,670 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,752 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,992
2025 BLS Actual
$71,275
2026 Current Est.
$73,670
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Salary Trajectory for Graphic Designers in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.36% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,992 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,407 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,649 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,275 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,670 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,145 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median graphic designer salary grew 20.8% from $58,992 (2019) to $71,275 (2025). At a 3.36% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,145 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,153 (29.08%) 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 3.36% 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) | $48,349 – $58,202 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,202 – $73,670 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,670 – $94,297 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,297 – $114,188 |
salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual graphic designer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Graphic Designer Job Market in Hilo
Currently, only seven graphic designers are employed in Hilo, highlighting a niche market with specialized needs. The cost of living index at 119.3 reveals that Hilo is above the national average, impacting take-home purchasing power for local designers. Employers offering the highest graphic designer pay in Hilo typically include in-house corporate marketing teams and leading advertising agencies, with annual compensation often varying based on the industry sector. A significant factor contributing to the salary disparity is the increase in pay associated with specialization, such as motion graphics and brand identity, often seen as more valuable than general graphic design roles. Additionally, the compensation difference between in-house positions and agency roles can be stark, often with corporate teams in sectors like finance and consumer packaged goods paying more than general retail. For graphic designers looking to maximize their earnings, enhancing portfolio strength and pursuing high-quality freelance opportunities are practical strategies in the competitive Hilo market.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
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 $71,275 for graphic designersin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 3.36% 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 3.36%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for graphic designers (SOC 27-1024).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov