Hilo vs Kahului: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Hilo, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Kahului, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,542▲ | $109,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $56.03▲ | $52.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $92,777 | $101,529▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $100,708 | $104,153▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,970▲ | $111,027 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,198▲ | $126,809 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Hilo, HI offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.
The salary gap between Hilo and Kahului is $7,320 (6.70%). Hilo's median is +13.21% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $54,421,Kahului spans $25,280. Hilo 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, Kahului ($99,844 effective) pays 2.21% more than Hilo ($97,688 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,542/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($147,198)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,844)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Hilo grew 38.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 30.0% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$80,402 (2020) → $111,056 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$80,080 (2020) → $104,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Hilo or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Kahului as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Hilo vs Kahului?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov