Entry-Level Data Analyst Salary in Hilo, HI: $34,118 (2026)
Quick Answer:New data analysts entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,118 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 15-2051, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $28,598 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,248) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the starting data analyst salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected to be around $34,118, which suggests that entry-level data positions may pose challenges for recent grads. When juxtaposed with the city’s median annual salary of $58,248, it becomes clear that there is a substantial gap. Entry-level professionals can expect realistic pay increments over the initial years, with growth leading to approximately $42,088 as they progress to the 25th percentile and potentially reaching the city’s median within three to five years. Although the entry-level pay may seem modest compared to national figures, Hilo's burgeoning tech scene and steady growth rate of 4.48% provide some optimism for graduates looking to establish their careers in data analytics.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($105,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Entry-level data analysts in Hilo, HI typically start between $34,118 and $42,088 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,166 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,248 — 27.55% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average data analysis program cost in Hawaii of $70,000 represents just 205.17% of the starting data analyst pay ($34,118/year) in Hilo. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect two main pathways: bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or mathematics ($40k-$120k), or master's degree in data science ($30k-$80k). Intensive bootcamps ($10k-$20k) offer faster entry but typically require prior technical background.
DA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level data analyst pay ranges from $34,118 to $42,088, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the data analysis field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hilo, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo's above-average cost of living (index: 119.3) when evaluating offers — a slightly lower salary in a nearby affordable area may provide better purchasing power.
Data Analyst Compensation Range
The data analyst wage spread in Hilo is $56,166 ( 164.62%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,118, experienced hygienists can earn up to $90,284.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$28,862
2025 BLS Actual
$32,655
2026 Current Est.
$34,118
2021–2027 Growth
+23.5%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Hilo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $28,862 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,368 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,655 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,118 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,646 | Projected |
Entry-level data analyst compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 13.1% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $28,862 in 2021 to $32,655 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,646. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) 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 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your data analysis Career in Hilo
Several employers in Hilo, HI, actively seek new graduates in data analytics, although the competition may be high. While FAANG companies typically target seasoned candidates from PhD or Master's programs, they occasionally extend their internships and entry-level roles to fresh graduates, focusing on strong technical skills in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks. In addition, AI-focused startups often offer equity-heavy compensation packages, and quant firms look for top talent from elite math programs. Continuous education can also enhance starting salaries; acquiring a Master’s or PhD in fields such as statistics or computer science significantly boosts a candidate's marketability. Early in their careers, new data analysts can expect salary growth that reflects their evolving skill sets. It is vital for them to pay attention to industry standards showcased on platforms like Levels.fyi, which can help them gauge realistic compensation trajectories as they gain experience.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new data analysis graduates. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov