Flight Attendant Salary in Hilo, HI: $72,711 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time flight attendant in Hilo, HI earns a median $72,711/year (≈ $34.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2031). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $60,948 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the flight attendant salary is quite competitive, with a median annual income projected at $72,711 for 2026. Flight attendants in the area can expect to earn between $42,173 and $112,703, depending on their level of experience and seniority. The pay scale in this profession is highly influenced by years of service, with step increases significantly impacting lifetime earnings. Accordingly, the current figures reflect local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and are adjusted according to regional cost factors, making them essential for those seeking to understand compensation in Hilo's unique job market.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,173 | $20.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,042 | $28.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,711 | $34.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,070 | $44.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,703 | $54.19 |
Median Salary Position
12.68% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the flight attendant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,530 (2026 est.). At $72,711, the local median is 12.68% above the national median of $64,527.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Flight Attendant Pay Compares
Hilo median: $72,711/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $76,619 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $64,527 | +12.68% more |
Flight Attendants in Hilo, HI earn a median of $72,711 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.68% higher than the national median of $64,527 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $76,619.
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 $72,711 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,948 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,824
2025 BLS Actual
$71,644
2026 Current Est.
$72,711
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Flight Attendants in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.49% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,824 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,458 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,847 | Actual |
| 2023 | $77,042 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,981 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,644 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,711 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,795 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median flight attendant salary grew 12.3% from $63,824 (2019) to $71,644 (2025). At a 1.49% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,795 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,971 (15.62%) 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 1.49% 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) | $42,173 – $60,042 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,042 – $72,711 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,711 – $93,070 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,070 – $112,703 |
FA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual flight attendant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Flight Attendant Job Market in Hilo
In Hilo, the employment situation shows a modest number of flight attendants—only seven are currently employed in this role, reflecting a tight local labor market. The cost of living index stands at 119.3, indicating that expenses are higher than the national average, which can affect take-home pay and purchasing power for those in this profession. Among the various employers, major US carriers tend to provide the highest compensation, especially for flight attendants who are willing to relocate to urban hubs with more opportunities. The disparity in earnings can arise from various factors, including seniority, international long-haul premiums, language proficiency stipends, and the specifics of flight routes. For those working in Hilo, understanding the pay structure, especially the seniority-based scale, can help maximize earnings. Developing a strong skill set and considering positions with airlines that provide higher per-diem compensation can also enhance overall salary potential in this environment.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can flight attendants make $100K in Hilo?
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Written by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA
Career Analyst
Emily Johnson has 10 years of experience as a flight attendant. She specializes in passenger safety and service. She has worked for major airlines in the United States.
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 $71,644 for flight attendantsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 1.49% 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 1.49%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for flight attendants (SOC 53-2031).
Compiled and verified by Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov