East Honolulu vs Hilo: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician 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 | $55,034▲ | $53,274 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.46▲ | $25.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,212 | $42,640▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,468▲ | $46,129 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,609 | $60,045▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,584▲ | $73,516 |
| Total Employed | 12▲ | 7 |
Verdict
East Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between East Honolulu and Hilo is $1,760 (3.30%). East Honolulu's median is +16.95% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Honolulu spans $35,372,Hilo spans $30,876. 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 ($46,131 effective) pays 3.30% more than Hilo ($44,655 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 ($55,034/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,584)
- ✓Larger job market (12 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,131)
- ✓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, emergency medical technician salaries in East Honolulu grew -7.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -7.4% growth in Hilo over the same period.
East Honolulu, HI
$56,135 (2024) → $52,007 (2025)
Hilo, HI
$54,340 (2024) → $50,344 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: East Honolulu or Hilo?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Honolulu and Hilo?
Should I relocate from East Honolulu to Hilo as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in East Honolulu vs Hilo?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% 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 Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov