Hilo vs Waipahu: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $209,837 | $216,685▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $100.89 | $104.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $143,878▲ | $142,110 |
| 25th Percentile | $185,994 | $187,290▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $260,800▲ | $259,682 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $295,578 | $311,512▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 9▲ |
Verdict
Waipahu, HI offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Waipahu is $6,848 (3.26%). Waipahu's median is -12.94% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $151,700,Waipahu spans $169,402. Waipahu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waipahu ($181,630 effective) pays 3.26% more than Hilo ($175,890 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 ($216,685/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($311,512)
- ✓Larger job market (9 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $181,630)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Hilo grew -16.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -16.1% growth in Waipahu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$237,736 (2024) → $199,465 (2025)
Waipahu, HI
$245,493 (2024) → $205,974 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Waipahu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Hilo or Waipahu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Waipahu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Waipahu as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Hilo vs Waipahu?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov