Hilo vs Kahului: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $77,140 | $77,260▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $37.09 | $37.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,218▲ | $57,175 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,193▲ | $64,723 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,072▲ | $93,576 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,485▲ | $111,348 |
| Total Employed | 7▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Hilo and Kahului are closely matched on overall surgical technologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hilo and Kahului is $120 (0.16%). Kahului's median is +13.38% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $56,267,Kahului spans $54,173. 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 ($64,761 effective) pays 0.16% more than Hilo ($64,661 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,485)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,260/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,761)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Hilo grew -0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 57.0% growth in Kahului over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$73,585 (2024) → $73,188 (2025)
Kahului, HI
$46,690 (2019) → $73,302 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Hilo or Kahului?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Kahului?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Kahului as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Hilo vs Kahului?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov