Hilo vs Waipahu: Flight Attendant Salary (2026)
Compare flight attendant salaries between Hilo, HI and Waipahu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Waipahu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,711 | $75,084▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.95 | $36.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,173 | $43,549▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,042 | $60,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,070 | $96,108▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,703 | $116,381▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 9▲ |
Verdict
Waipahu, HI offers better overall compensation for flight attendants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Waipahu is $2,373 (3.26%). Waipahu's median is +16.36% compared to the US national median of $64,527.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $70,530,Waipahu spans $72,832. Waipahu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced flight attendants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waipahu ($62,937 effective) pays 3.26% 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 Hilo if…
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Waipahu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,084/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,381)
- ✓Larger job market (9 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,937)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, flight attendant salaries in Hilo grew -6.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.9% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$76,981 (2024) → $71,644 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$79,493 (2024) → $73,982 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays flight attendants more: Hilo or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Waipahu as a flight attendant?
What do entry-level flight attendants earn in Hilo vs Waipahu?
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