Optometrist Salary in Hilo, HI: $159,184 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time optometrist in Hilo, HI earns a median $159,184/year (≈ $76.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1041). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $133,432 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $159,184 projected for 2026, the optometrist salary in Hilo, HI, reflects the growing demand for eye care professionals in the region. This figure falls within a salary range that spans from $92,327 at the 10th percentile to $231,245 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust earning potential for those in the field. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, suggest a local market that significantly supports optometrists given the expansion of their scope of practice, which now includes glaucoma management, oral medications, and select laser procedures. Considering the median salary in Hilo exceeds the national median of $140,612 by 13.21%, this points to a competitive job market for optometry in the area.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($140,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,327 | $44.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $129,340 | $62.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $159,184 | $76.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $192,345 | $92.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $231,245 | $111.18 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the optometrist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $138,918 (2026 est.). At $159,184, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $140,612.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Optometrist Pay Compares
Hilo median: $159,184/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $167,739 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $140,612 | +13.21% more |
Optometrists in Hilo, HI earn a median of $159,184 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $140,612 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $167,739.
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 $159,184 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $133,432 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$130,472
2025 BLS Actual
$154,608
2026 Current Est.
$159,184
2019–2027 Growth
+25.6%
Salary Trajectory for Optometrists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.96% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $130,472 | Actual |
| 2020 | $133,642 | Actual |
| 2021 | $140,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $142,178 | Actual |
| 2023 | $149,276 | Actual |
| 2024 | $158,491 | Actual |
| 2025 | $154,608 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,184 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $163,896 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median optometrist salary grew 18.5% from $130,472 (2019) to $154,608 (2025). At a 2.96% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $163,896 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,424 (25.62%) 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 2.96% 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) | $92,327 – $129,340 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $129,340 – $159,184 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $159,184 – $192,345 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $192,345 – $231,245 |
OD salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual optometrist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Optometrist Job Market in Hilo
In Hilo, the local job market comprises seven optometrists, contributing to a relatively stable employment landscape for new graduates and seasoned professionals alike. However, prospective optometrists should consider the area's cost of living index of 119.3, which indicates that daily expenses are higher than the national average. While various employment settings exist, such as private optometry practices, retail optical chains, and ophthalmology partnerships, those affiliated with established institutions—such as VA medical centers or part of an OD/MD model—tend to secure higher compensations. The disparity in earnings within the local market can often be traced to factors like ownership equity in practices, the nature of practice environments, and residency training in ocular disease. To maximize pay in this specific market, obtaining residency training combined with strategic networking in the Hilo optometry community can considerably enhance earning prospects.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, OD
Career Analyst
Aisha Patel has 10 years of experience in optometry. She specializes in pediatric vision care. Aisha works in a private practice setting.
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 $154,608 for optometristsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 2.96% 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 2.96%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for optometrists (SOC 29-1041).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, OD, a licensed optometrist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov