Senior Elementary School Teacher Salary in Hilo, HI: $113,349 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of elementary school teachers working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $113,349/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 25-2021. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $95,012 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Senior elementary school teachers in Hilo, Hawaii, have the potential to earn significantly higher salaries relative to their counterparts in other regions. With a projected median annual salary of $73,129 in 2026, the stark contrast becomes evident when examining the top earners, who can make as much as $113,349. This gap illustrates the experience premium that seasoned educators command, highlighting the importance of experience and advanced qualifications in achieving top-tier compensation. To reach such elevated salary levels, teachers often engage in continuous professional development, pursue specializations, or take on leadership roles within their schools, which can substantially increase their earning potential and reflect their commitment to educational excellence.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced elementary school teachers at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $92,986 and $113,349 per year (2026 est.). This $56,156 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $73,129 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top Teacher Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $73,129 | $64,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,986 | $82,248 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $113,349 | $105,363 |
In Hilo, experienced elementary school teachers (P90) earn 55.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Elementary School Teacher Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI elementary school teachers with additional specialty certifications within the education field earn significantly above the $73,129 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Elementary School Teachers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the education field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $92,986–$113,349 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced elementary school teachers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured elementary school teachers in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Elementary School Teachers in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Elementary School Teacher Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Elementary School Teacher
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Elementary School Teacher
5-10 yearsElementary School Teacher Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner elementary school teacher salary (90th percentile: $113,349).
Top 10% elementary school teacher compensation in Hilo ($113,349) is 16.16% above the Hawaii average P90 ($97,578).
2019 BLS Actual
$105,321
2025 BLS Actual
$112,249
2026 Current Est.
$113,349
2019–2027 Growth
+8.7%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $105,321 | Actual |
| 2020 | $108,096 | Actual |
| 2021 | $106,956 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,989 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,357 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $112,249 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,349 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,460 | Projected |
Top-earning elementary school teachers (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 6.6% from $105,321 in 2019 to $112,249 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 0.98% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $114,460 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Elementary School Teacher Earnings in Hilo
The premium pay in Hilo for experienced elementary school teachers is often driven by specific specialized roles, particularly in high-demand areas like STEM education, special education, and support for English Language Learners. Teachers with expertise in these fields frequently command higher salaries due to persistent shortages in local districts, thus enhancing their negotiating power. Moreover, senior-level compensation tends to fluctuate based on the type of educational institution, as public K-12 districts may offer different pay scales compared to charter schools or private institutions. Advancement opportunities also exist for experienced educators, with career progression leading from classroom roles to positions like instructional coach or school administrator. Gaining additional certifications, such as the National Board Certification, or pursuing further degrees can play a significant role in enhancing salary prospects in this competitive market. Overall, strategies focusing on specialized credentials and leadership can effectively position senior educators for optimal compensation in Hilo's educational landscape.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced elementary school teachers make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher elementary school teacher pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost elementary school teacher salary in Hilo?
Can experienced elementary school teachers make six figures in Hilo?
How much does elementary school teacher salary increase over time in Hilo?
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $112,249 for elementary school teachers in the Hilo metro area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov