Accountant in Hilo CDP, HI

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths across the islands, I can tell you that Hilo isn’t your typical accounting market. It’s a unique blend of old-school Big Island charm, a growing healthcare sector, and a tourism economy that never fully sleeps. If you’re an accountant considering a move here, you’re not just looking at a job change; you’re considering a complete lifestyle shift. This guide is your ground-level map to making that decision.

Let’s cut right to the data. The accounting field here is stable but niche. The median salary for Accountants in Hilo CDP is $110,096/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $52.93/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $86,080/year, a premium that reflects both the high cost of living and the specialized nature of the work. However, the local job market is tight; there are only about 96 jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth of just 4%. This isn't a boomtown for new accounting firms, but for those who find their niche, it can be a rewarding home.

The Salary Picture: Where Hilo CDP Stands

Salary in Hilo isn't just a number; it's a reflection of experience, sector, and your ability to navigate the local business landscape. The higher median wage is driven by the need for experienced professionals who can handle the complex financial needs of local industries—from agriculture to healthcare.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Hilo
Entry-Level (0-3 years)	$75,000 - $85,000	Bookkeeping for small businesses, basic tax prep, payroll processing for local shops.
Mid-Level (4-7 years)	$95,000 - $115,000	Full-cycle accounting for mid-sized companies (e.g., construction, hotels), managing AP/AR, assisting with audits.
Senior (8-12 years)	$120,000 - $135,000	Controller functions, financial reporting for healthcare or non-profits, supervising junior staff, complex tax planning.
Expert/Manager (12+ years)	$140,000+	CFO-level work for local corporations, partnership taxation for agribusiness, managing regional accounting teams.

Compared to other cities in Hawaii, Hilo sits in an interesting middle ground. It’s significantly higher than the national average of $86,080, but it trails the ultra-high cost of Honolulu, where salaries for similar roles often push $120,000+ due to the concentration of corporate headquarters. However, the trade-off is a different pace of life and a more grounded community feel. The key differentiator in Hilo is that your value is often tied to your versatility—can you handle a farm’s books one day and a non-profit’s grant reporting the next?

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the math. Hilo’s cost of living is a stark reality. The Cost of Living Index is 193.0 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to utilities is nearly double the national average. The most significant variable is housing. The average 1BR rent is $3,570/month.

For an accountant earning the median salary of $110,096, here’s a monthly budget breakdown after taxes and rent. (Note: This is a simplified estimate; actual take-home depends on benefits, retirement contributions, and exact tax filing status.)

Category	Monthly Amount (Est.)	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$9,174	Based on $110,096/year
Estimated Taxes (Fed + HI State)	-$2,100	HI has a progressive income tax (1.4%-11%). This is a conservative estimate.
Net Take-Home Pay	$7,074	After taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$3,570	This is the biggest fixed cost.
Utilities, Internet, Phone	-$350	Hawaii electricity is notoriously expensive.
Groceries & Food	-$600	Shipping costs drive up grocery prices.
Transportation (Car)	-$450	Gas is high; insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$400	A significant employer benefit is key here.
Remaining Discretionary	$1,704	For savings, debt, entertainment, emergency fund.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the million-dollar question, literally. The median home price in Hilo is around $470,000. With a 20% down payment ($94,000), you’d need a mortgage of $376,000. At a 7% interest rate (as of late 2023), that’s a monthly payment of approximately $2,500 (principal & interest) plus property taxes and insurance, likely pushing $3,000/month. This is actually less than the average rent, making buying a serious consideration. However, saving for the down payment on a $110,096 salary, with high living costs, is a disciplined, multi-year plan. It’s possible, but it requires careful budgeting and often dual-income households.

The Jobs Are: Hilo CDP's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by stable, large institutions rather than a bustling scene of small CPA firms. Your best bets are these major local employers:

1. Hilo Medical Center (Part of Hawaii Pacific Health): The largest employer on the East Side. They have a constant need for accounts payable specialists, revenue cycle analysts, and financial reporting accountants. The work is complex due to healthcare billing and compliance.
2. County of Hawaii: The government sector is a huge employer. Jobs are listed on the county’s HR portal. Roles often involve grant accounting, budget preparation for departments, and public fund management. Stability is high, but salary bands are structured and may cap lower than the private sector.
3. Kamehameha Schools: A major landowner with extensive agricultural and commercial holdings. They employ accountants for asset management, trust accounting, and financial planning for their diverse operations.
4. TMT International Observatory: While construction has faced delays, the Thirty Meter Telescope project and its associated contractors have employed project accountants and cost controllers. This is a specialized, high-precision field.
5. Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. & other large agribusinesses: Accounting for large-scale agriculture involves unique challenges like crop inventory valuation, export compliance, and commodity hedging. These roles are niche but well-paid.
6. Local CPA Firms (e.g., Yokoyama & Pang, LLLC, or smaller local practices): While fewer in number than on Oahu, these firms serve the local small business and high-net-worth individual market. They offer a path to partnership and a wide variety of tax and audit work.

Hiring Trend Insight: Hiring is slow and steady. New positions often open due to retirement or internal promotion rather than rapid expansion. Networking is critical. Most jobs are filled through personal connections before they’re ever posted online. Attend Hawaii Society of CPAs events or join the Hilo Chamber of Commerce to get your name out there.

Getting Licensed in HI

To practice as a CPA in Hawaii, you must follow the Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy (HBP) requirements. This is a non-negotiable step.

• Educational Requirements: You need 150 semester hours of college credit, including a bachelor’s degree and specific coursework in accounting and business. A master’s degree is common.
• The Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG). You can sit for the exam in Hilo, as there is a Prometric test center here.
• Experience: You need two years (4,000 hours) of qualifying accounting experience, supervised by a licensed CPA. This is a key hurdle if you’re moving from a state with different rules.
• Costs: Exam fees are set by NASBA and are roughly $1,500-$2,000 for all four sections. Add application fees to the Hawaii Board ($175), ethics exam fee ($150), and review course costs ($1,500-$3,000). Total estimated upfront cost: $3,500 - $5,500.
• Timeline: If you have the education and experience, the process can take 12-18 months from start to licensure. Start by submitting your transcripts to the HBP for evaluation.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Hilo defines your commute and lifestyle. Traffic is minimal compared to Honolulu, but distances can be deceptive due to winding roads.

1. Hilo Town (Downtown/Waianuenue Ave): The epicenter for government and some CPA firms. Walkable to restaurants and the farmers' market. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most employers. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $2,200 for a 1BR apartment. Older buildings, some with charm.
2. Waiakea Uka / Puainako: Upscale residential area with newer homes and condos. Close to Hilo Medical Center and shopping centers. Commute: 10-20 minutes. Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,800 for a 1BR/2BR. Family-friendly, good schools.
3. Pana'ewa / Puhi: More rural, with larger lots and a quieter feel. Popular with professionals who want space. Commute: 15-25 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,500 for a 1BR cottage or apartment. Less inventory.
4. Keaukaha / Puhi Peninsula: Near the ocean, with a tight-knit community feel. Further from the main business hubs. Commute: 20-30 minutes to downtown. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,300 for a 1BR. The trade-off is the scenic, coastal lifestyle.
5. Hilo Palisades / Kea'au (10-15 min outside CDP): If you're willing to commute a bit further, you can find slightly more affordable housing and more space. Commute: 25-35 minutes. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $2,200 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hilo, career growth isn't about jumping to a bigger firm every two years; it's about deepening your expertise and taking on more responsibility within a stable organization.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a premium by specializing in areas critical to Big Island industries:
  • Non-Profit Accounting: Critical for the many community organizations and hospitals.
  • Construction & Project Accounting: For TMT, county projects, and local developers.
  • Agricultural Commodity Accounting: A rare but valuable skill set.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is vertical within a large organization (e.g., Staff Accountant -> Senior Accountant -> Accounting Manager). Another is moving from a small local CPA firm to a controller position at a larger company.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, the market will not see explosive expansion. However, the impending retirements of the "Boomer" generation of accountants will create openings. The key is to position yourself as a reliable, versatile professional who can handle the unique challenges of island-based business. The rise of remote work for some accounting functions (like bookkeeping) is a threat, but in-person roles for controllers, managers, and audit specialists will remain in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Hilo CDP Right for You?

The decision to move to Hilo for an accounting career is a trade-off between financial potential and quality of life. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s perfect.

Pros	Cons
Higher-than-average salary ($110,096 median) for the profession.	Extremely high cost of living (Index 193.0). Rent is a major burden ($3,570 avg).
Stable, long-term employers (government, healthcare, education).	Very limited job market (only ~96 jobs). Few options if you need to switch companies.
Unique, rewarding work in agriculture, non-profits, and healthcare.	Slower career pace; fewer promotions and less corporate ladder-climbing.
Unbeatable lifestyle with outdoor access, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community.	Geographic isolation; expensive to travel to the mainland for family or conferences.
Lower stress compared to major metro accounting hubs.	Limited networking opportunities within the accounting field itself.

Final Recommendation: Hilo is an excellent choice for an accountant who is at the mid to senior level, values stability over rapid advancement, and seeks a deep connection to their community and environment. It is not ideal for those early in their career seeking a fast-paced, high-competition environment to rapidly build a resume, or for those on a tight budget without a significant savings cushion. If you can secure a job before moving and are prepared for the high cost of living, Hilo offers a rare blend of professional satisfaction and an unparalleled island lifestyle.

FAQs

Q: Is it easy to transfer my CPA license from another state to Hawaii?
A: It's a process, but manageable. Hawaii is not a reciprocity state, so you must go through the full application with the Hawaii Board of Public Accountancy. You'll need to verify your education and experience meet their specific criteria. Start by contacting the HBP with your credentials for an initial review.

Q: What is the typical work-life balance for accountants in Hilo?
A: Generally very good. Outside of tax season (Jan-April) or month-end closes, most roles follow a standard 40-hour week. The "leave work at 5 PM" culture is strong. The ability to head to the beach, go for a hike, or attend a community event after work is a major perk.

Q: How important is knowing the local Hawaiian culture for an accounting job?
A: It's not a formal requirement, but it's a significant asset. Many businesses are family-run or have deep community ties. Understanding the importance of relationships (vs. pure transactional business) and showing respect for the local culture will help you integrate into teams and clients faster.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work with mainland companies while living in Hilo?
A: Yes, but with a caveat. There are remote accounting jobs, but they are highly competitive. The challenge is the time zone (3 hours behind the West Coast) and the sometimes-unreliable internet in more rural parts of the island. If you can secure a stable, high-speed internet connection, it's a viable path, though it may require adjusting your schedule.

Q: What's the single biggest piece of advice for someone considering this move?
A: Visit first, during a rainy period (like November or March). Hilo's beauty is undeniable, but the persistent rain and humidity are a tangible part of daily life. Ensure you can thrive in the climate before committing. Also, start networking now; your next job is likely found through a personal connection, not a job board.