Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Hilo, HI: $39,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,612 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, 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 $33,204 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($60,704) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting a career as a real estate agent in Hilo, Hawaii, offers new graduates a competitive landscape. With an entry-level real estate agent salary in Hilo projected at $39,612, newcomers might initially find it challenging to meet the median annual salary of $60,704 for all agents in the area. However, as the career progresses, there is room for growth; entry-level agents can reasonably expect to ascend toward higher brackets, such as $46,664 at year three and the median within five years. Hilo currently presents a favorable environment for new agents, particularly given its projected growth rate of 1.50% annually, making it an appealing choice for those entering the real estate profession in 2026.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($82,000) 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 real estate agents in Hilo, HI typically start between $39,612 and $46,664 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $54,480 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $60,704 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Hawaii of $3,000 represents just 7.57% of the starting real estate agent pay ($39,612/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.
Cost estimates include state-mandated pre-licensing courses, exam fees, background checks, initial license, and MLS/NAR dues. Agents typically pay for business expenses themselves. Brokers require additional experience and post-licensing education.
REA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $39,612 to $46,664, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the real estate 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.
Real Estate Agent Compensation Range
The real estate agent wage spread in Hilo is $54,480 ( 137.53%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,612, experienced hygienists can earn up to $94,092.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,510
2025 BLS Actual
$39,027
2026 Current Est.
$39,612
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,510 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,711 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,464 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,482 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,180 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,125 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,207 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 32.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,510 in 2019 to $39,027 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $40,207. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your real estate Career in Hilo
Several established employers actively seek new talent in Hilo, offering structured pathways into the profession. National brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker are prominent, providing robust training and mentorship for entry-level agents while offering competitive commission splits. New agents often start as buyers' agents within team settings, combining a fixed salary with performance bonuses. Acquiring essential credentials like the state real estate sales license and considering additional designations like the NAR REALTOR® can significantly enhance starting pay. Additionally, understanding the commission landscape—especially following the 2024 NAR settlement—will be crucial. This shift has altered compensation dynamics, requiring agents to navigate a complex environment. New grads should approach the first few years strategically, focusing on building networks and skills to increase their earnings and positioning in the market.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for real estate agents in Hilo in 2026?
How fast do real estate agent salaries grow in Hilo?
Is real estate school worth it in Hilo?
What do new real estate agents make right out of school in Hilo?
How do I become a real estate agent in Hawaii?
Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Hawaii
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
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 real estate graduates. A 1.50% 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 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov