East Honolulu vs Hilo: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between East Honolulu, HI and Hilo, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Honolulu, HI | Hilo, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,114▲ | $72,711 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.11▲ | $34.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,566▲ | $42,173 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,408▲ | $60,042 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,146▲ | $93,070 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,426▲ | $112,703 |
| Total Employed | 12▲ | 7 |
Verdict
East Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between East Honolulu and Hilo is $2,403 (3.30%). East Honolulu's median is +16.41% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Honolulu spans $72,860,Hilo spans $70,530. East Honolulu 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, East Honolulu ($62,962 effective) pays 3.30% more than Hilo ($60,948 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,114/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,426)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,962)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in East Honolulu grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Hilo over the same period.
East Honolulu, HI
$79,524 (2024) → $74,011 (2025)
Hilo, HI
$76,981 (2024) → $71,644 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: East Honolulu or Hilo?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Honolulu and 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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.49% 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 Emily Johnson, AFA-CWA, a licensed flight attendant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov