Pharmacist in Hilo CDP, HI

The Salary Picture: Where Hilo CDP Stands

Living in Hilo provides a unique financial landscape for healthcare professionals. The local pharmacy market is small but stable, and the compensation reflects the high cost of living in Hawaii. The median salary for a pharmacist in Hilo CDP is $173,982/year, with an hourly rate of $83.65/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $136,030/year. However, the job market is tight. There are only 96 pharmacist jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at -3%. This indicates a mature market with limited new openings and significant competition for existing positions. The high local salary is a direct counterbalance to the extreme cost of living, not a reflection of abundant opportunity.

To understand the salary progression, consider this experience-level breakdown. These figures are estimates based on local market dynamics and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$150,000 - $160,000	Staff pharmacist roles in retail chains (CVS, Walgreens), initial hospital orientation, focusing on dispensing accuracy and basic patient counseling.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$170,000 - $185,000	Senior staff pharmacist, potential lead roles in smaller clinics, increased responsibility for inventory control, vaccine clinics, and complex insurance billing.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$185,000 - $200,000	Pharmacy manager (retail or outpatient), clinical pharmacist specialist at Hilo Medical Center, roles involving protocol development or precepting pharmacy students.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$200,000+	Director of Pharmacy (hospital), clinical specialist in oncology or infectious disease, consultant for long-term care facilities, or independent pharmacy owner.

Comparison to Other HI Cities:
Hilo's salary is competitive within Hawaii, but Honolulu offers more opportunities and slightly higher potential due to a larger market. The trade-off is Honolulu's even more intense housing market. For instance, a pharmacist's salary in urban Honolulu might trend 5-10% higher, but the median rent for a 1BR is significantly above Hilo's $3,570/month. In more rural areas like Maui or Kauai, salaries may be similar, but the number of available jobs (96 in the Hilo metro) is even more scarce, making Hilo a relative "hub" for the Big Island.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Earning $173,982/year sounds substantial, but the Hilo cost of living index is 193.0 (US avg = 100), driven almost entirely by housing. Here’s a realistic monthly breakdown for a single pharmacist earning the median salary.

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$14,498
• Taxes (Est. 25% Federal + State): ~$3,625
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$10,873
• Rent (1BR Average): $3,570
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $400
• Groceries & Food: $800
• Car Payment + Insurance + Gas: $700 (Public transport is limited)
• Health Insurance & Retirement (401k/IRA): $1,000
• Miscellaneous (Personal, Leisure, Savings): $1,000
• Remaining Buffer: $3,403

This budget assumes a moderate lifestyle. The high remaining buffer is necessary because the state has no property tax break for owner-occupied homes, and home prices are exceptionally high.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Hawaii County (which includes Hilo) is approximately $650,000. For a pharmacist earning $173,982, a 20% down payment ($130,000) is a significant hurdle. A mortgage payment on a $520,000 loan (at 6.5% interest) would be roughly $3,290 per month, plus property taxes and insurance. This is manageable in a budget, but the initial down payment is the primary barrier. Many pharmacists in Hilo rent for years before purchasing, often partnering with a spouse or saving aggressively. Insider Tip: Look for properties in the Puna district (the southern suburbs), where prices are lower, but be prepared for a longer commute (30-45 minutes to Hilo proper) and potential flood zone issues.

Where the Jobs Are: Hilo CDP's Major Employers

The 96 pharmacist jobs on the island are concentrated in a few key areas. Hiring is slow (-3% growth), so relationships and internal promotions are critical.

1. Hilo Medical Center (HMC): The largest employer on the Big Island and the primary hospital for the region. They have inpatient, outpatient, and specialty pharmacy services. Hiring Trend: They often post openings for clinical pharmacists and a Director of Pharmacy. They prioritize internal candidates and those with acute care hospital experience. A big plus is their affiliation with the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo (UH Hilo) College of Pharmacy, which serves as a training ground.
2. CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens: Multiple locations throughout Hilo, from the Avenues to Prince Kuhio Plaza. Hiring Trend: These are the most consistent sources of open positions, especially for retail staff pharmacists. Corporate turnover and internal promotions create openings. Be prepared for metrics-driven work environments.
3. KTA Super Stores: A local, family-owned grocery chain with several in-store pharmacies. KTA is a beloved local institution. Hiring Trend: Positions here appear infrequently but are highly coveted for their community-focused culture. Networking is essential; knowing a store manager can give you an edge.
4. Hope Services Hawaii: A non-profit organization that operates community health clinics and long-term care facilities. Hiring Trend: They often need pharmacists for their long-term care pharmacy services and clinic support. These roles offer a different pace and a strong sense of mission, often with slightly lower pay but better work-life balance.
5. Longs Drugs (CVS Health): While part of CVS, Longs is a distinct brand in Hawaii with a strong local presence. The Līhuʻe and Hilo locations operate with a slightly different feel than mainland CVS stores. Hiring Trend: Similar to CVS, watch for internal postings. Being a current CVS employee on the mainland can sometimes facilitate a transfer.
6. UH Hilo College of Pharmacy: While not a direct employer for most, the college is a crucial pipeline. They hire for adjunct faculty, preceptors, and research roles. Hiring Trend: These are rare, specialized positions requiring advanced degrees (PharmD, PhD) and a commitment to academia.

Getting Licensed in HI

The Hawaii State Board of Pharmacy is the governing body. The process is straightforward but can take 3-6 months.

• Requirements:
  1. Graduate from an ACPE-accredited PharmD program.
  2. Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination).
  3. Pass the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) for Hawaii specifically.
  4. Complete a background check and fingerprinting.
  5. Pay all required fees.
• Costs:
  • NAPLEX Fee: ~$485
  • MPJE Fee: ~$100
  • Hawaii License Application Fee: ~$285
  • Fingerprinting: ~$75
  • Total Estimated Cost: ~$945 (not including travel or study materials).
• Timeline:
  • Months 1-4: Study for and take the NAPLEX and MPJE after graduation.
  • Month 5: Submit the complete application to the Hawaii State Board of Pharmacy.
  • Month 6: Receive your license (pending background check clearance). Insider Tip: Start your Hawaii application before you move. The Board's processing times can be slow. You can work on a temporary permit in the interim if you have a job offer, but it's not guaranteed.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Choosing where to live in Hilo depends on your priorities: commute, lifestyle, and budget. Rent estimates are for a 1BR or studio.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why Pharmacists Choose It
Hilo Downtown/Waiakea	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 minute drive to HMC and central retail.	$1,800 - $2,200	Proximity to the hospital and downtown restaurants. Older buildings, some with character.
Waiakea Villages	Quiet, suburban, family-oriented. 10-15 minute commute.	$1,600 - $2,000	Safe, clean, and very close to HMC and shopping centers. Popular with healthcare professionals.
Panaʻewa	Rural, lush, near the zoo. 15-20 minute commute.	$1,400 - $1,700	More affordable, with a strong sense of community. Easy access to hiking.
Keaʻau	Southern suburb, growing rapidly. 20-30 minute commute.	$1,200 - $1,600	Significantly cheaper rent. Newer housing stock. Insider Tip: The commute via Highway 11 can be slow during school hours, but it's a direct route.
Mountain View	Very rural, high elevation, cooler temperatures. 30-45 minute commute.	$1,100 - $1,400	For those seeking space and a true "country" feel. Internet can be spotty; verify with providers.

Note: The city-wide average rent is $3,570/month, but this is heavily skewed by luxury condos and single-family homes. A determined pharmacist can find a 1BR under $2,000 in the neighborhoods above, but they will be in older buildings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With 10-year job growth at -3%, advancement is less about jumping to new employers and more about deepening expertise and taking on leadership within existing systems.

• Specialty Premiums: Pharmacists with board certifications (BCPS, BCACP, BCCCP, etc.) can command premium salaries, often $10,000-$20,000 above the base. In Hilo, BCPS (Pharmacotherapy) is most valuable for hospital roles. A BCACP (Ambulatory Care) is useful for clinic settings like Hope Services.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Clinical Ladder: Staff Pharmacist -> Clinical Pharmacist Specialist -> Clinical Pharmacy Manager. This path is most viable at Hilo Medical Center.
  • Management: Staff Pharmacist -> Pharmacy Manager (retail/clinic) -> Director of Pharmacy. This requires strong business acumen and often an MBA or MHA.
  • Entrepreneurial: The most common path for true advancement is opening an independent pharmacy. This is high-risk in Hilo's small market but can be rewarding. A niche like compounding or a focus on a specific patient population (e.g., geriatrics) is key.
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will not grow, but it is resilient. The aging population and the central role of HMC will maintain demand. However, automation and retail consolidation will continue to pressure traditional dispensing roles. The pharmacists who thrive will be those who move into clinical, managerial, or specialized roles. Insider Tip: Getting involved with the Hawaii Pharmacy Association (HiPhA) is crucial for networking and staying aware of legislative changes that could affect practice.

The Verdict: Is Hilo CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Niche Salary: At $173,982, you are well-paid for a small island.	Extreme Cost of Living: The 193.0 index means your money doesn't go far.
Stable, Tight-Knit Community: You will know your patients and colleagues.	Limited Job Market: 96 jobs and -3% growth mean few openings and high competition.
Unique Lifestyle: Access to volcanoes, rainforests, and ocean sports is unparalleled.	Isolation: You are on an island. Everything, from family visits to specialty goods, is more expensive and logistically complex.
Meaningful Impact: You can truly be a pillar in community health.	Housing Crisis: Finding affordable housing is a major challenge for everyone.

Final Recommendation:
Hilo CDP is not for the pharmacist seeking rapid career growth through job-hopping or a bustling urban nightlife. It is for the pharmacist who values community, has a passion for the outdoors, and is financially prudent. You should consider Hilo if:

1. You have a secured job offer before moving.
2. You are prepared for a long, potentially multi-year rental period before considering homeownership.
3. You are seeking a slower pace of life and are willing to trade professional variety for deep community connection.

If you are a newly minted PharmD seeking to explore multiple practice settings, a larger metro like Honolulu or a mainland city is a better starting point. For a seasoned pharmacist ready for stability and a unique quality of life, Hilo can be an excellent fit.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Hilo on a pharmacist's salary alone?
Yes, but your lifestyle will be defined by your housing choices. With a median salary of $173,982, you can afford a comfortable 1BR rental in a safe neighborhood like Waiakea Villages, but you will have less disposable income than a pharmacist in a lower-cost-of-living state. Budgeting is essential.

2. How hard is it to find a job in Hilo?
Very difficult. The market is saturated with qualified candidates who are already local or have ties to the island. With only 96 jobs and negative growth, openings are rare. Your best strategy is to network relentlessly, consider per-diem or relief pharmacist roles to get your foot in the door, and be open to retail positions initially.

3. Is the high salary worth the cost of living?
It depends on your personal priorities. Financially, you will be comfortable but not wealthy. A pharmacist earning the median salary will have a positive monthly budget, but the large upfront cost of homeownership and the general expense of goods make it challenging to build wealth at the same pace as on the mainland. It's a trade-off for the unique environment.

4. Do I need a car in Hilo?
Absolutely. Public transportation (Hele-On) is limited and not reliable for a daily professional commute. Hilo is spread out, and many of the best places to live (Puna, Mountain View) or recreate are only accessible by car. Factor car ownership into your budget from day one.

5. What's the biggest surprise for pharmacists moving to Hilo?
Two things: first, the sheer cost of everyday items like groceries and hardware, which can be 20-30% higher than the mainland. Second, the pace of life. "Hawaiian time" is real in business as well as socially. Patience is not just a virtue; it's a necessity for navigating schedules, repairs, and getting things done.