Medical Assistant Salary in Hilo, HI: $54,295 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time medical assistant in Hilo, HI earns a median $54,295/year (≈ $26.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-9092). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $45,511 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, medical assistants can expect a median annual salary of $54,295 in 2026, reflecting the local market's adaptability to its diverse population. The full salary range for medical assistants in the area spans from $44,662 at the 10th percentile to $69,271 at the 90th percentile. These figures are estimated based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, and reveal a notable 13.21% premium over the national median salary of $47,961. This indicates that Hilo's job market is attractive for medical assistants, especially those who can offer bilingual skills or specialize in high-demand areas, thus increasing their earning potential.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,662 | $21.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,372 | $22.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,295 | $26.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,511 | $28.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,271 | $33.31 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the medical assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,609 (2026 est.). At $54,295, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $47,961.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Medical Assistant Pay Compares
Hilo median: $54,295/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $57,213 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $47,961 | +13.21% more |
Medical Assistants in Hilo, HI earn a median of $54,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $47,961 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $57,213.
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 $54,295 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,511 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,396
2025 BLS Actual
$51,724
2026 Current Est.
$54,295
2019–2027 Growth
+44.7%
Salary Trajectory for Medical Assistants in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.97% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,584 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,101 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,324 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,547 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,340 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,724 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,295 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,993 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median medical assistant salary grew 31.3% from $39,396 (2019) to $51,724 (2025). At a 4.97% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,993 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,597 (44.67%) 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 4.97% 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) | $44,662 – $46,372 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,372 – $54,295 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,295 – $58,511 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,511 – $69,271 |
MA, CMA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual medical assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Medical Assistant Job Market in Hilo
With only seven medical assistants currently employed in Hilo, the local job market appears limited but holds specific opportunities. The cost of living index stands at 119.3, meaning that while salaries reflect a more competitive local pay rate, purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses. Among the top-paying employers in Hilo, specialty practices such as cardiology and dermatology are known for offering better compensation compared to primary care offices. Those looking to maximize their medical assistant pay in Hilo should consider acquiring certifications from recognized bodies like AAMA, AMT, NHA, or NCCT, as well as developing skills in high-demand areas such as phlebotomy or EKG. Additionally, pursuing bilingual capabilities can provide a significant edge in this diverse market, driving up potential earnings considerably.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can medical assistants make $100K in Hilo?
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Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
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 $51,724 for medical assistantsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 4.97% 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 4.97%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for medical assistants (SOC 31-9092).
Compiled and verified by Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov