Insurance Agent Salary in Hilo, HI: $73,044 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time insurance agent in Hilo, HI earns a median $73,044/year (≈ $35.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-3021). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $61,227 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, insurance agents in Hilo, HI, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $73,044, significantly higher than the national median of $64,522. The salary range for this profession spans from $45,806 at the 10th percentile to as much as $113,218 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the variability in commission structures prevalent within different segments of the insurance market. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the distinctions between agents focused on personal lines versus those working in commercial and specialty lines that often yield higher commissions. Overall, the insurance job market in Hilo suggests strong earning potential tied closely to specialization and client portfolio management.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,806 | $22.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,753 | $26.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,044 | $35.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,497 | $44.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,218 | $54.43 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the insurance agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,412 (2026 est.). At $73,044, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $64,522.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Insurance Agent Pay Compares
Hilo median: $73,044/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $76,970 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $64,522 | +13.21% more |
Insurance Agents in Hilo, HI earn a median of $73,044 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $64,522 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $76,970.
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 $73,044 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,227 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,668
2025 BLS Actual
$70,506
2026 Current Est.
$73,044
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Salary Trajectory for Insurance Agents in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.60% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,668 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,072 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,423 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,502 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,883 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,189 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,506 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,044 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,674 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median insurance agent salary grew 22.3% from $57,668 (2019) to $70,506 (2025). At a 3.60% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,674 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,006 (31.22%) 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 3.60% 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) | $45,806 – $55,753 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,753 – $73,044 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,044 – $93,497 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,497 – $113,218 |
Agent salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual insurance agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Insurance Agent Job Market in Hilo
The local insurance market in Hilo is characterized by the employment of only 7 insurance agents, indicating a relatively small but potentially lucrative environment. With a cost-of-living index of 119.3, agents must consider how this impacts their purchasing power and take-home compensation. Among local employers, captives like State Farm and Allstate, along with independent agencies and larger commercial brokerages, provide varying pay scales primarily driven by the size of an agent's book of business and the types of policies sold. Agents working in commercial lines can expect compensation that is 5 to 10 times higher than personal lines, creating a significant income disparity. For those looking to maximize their earnings, focusing on building a robust commercial client base, considering agency ownership, and pursuing additional credentials like CPCU or CIC can enhance their marketability and income potential in Hilo's evolving insurance landscape.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
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 $70,506 for insurance agentsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 3.60% 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 3.60%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for insurance agents (SOC 41-3021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov