Salaries at UH Hilo

Salary expectations at the University of Hawaii - Hilo (UH Hilo) are influenced by several factors, including the specific role, academic rank, years of experience, and field of expertise. As a public institution in Hawaii, UH Hilo adheres to state guidelines for compensation, which often vary between academic and administrative positions. Salaries for faculty are typically determined by rank—such as lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor—and may include considerations for tenure status or specialized disciplines. Administrative roles, on the other hand, are often aligned with state pay scales. While UH Hilo does not publicly publish detailed salary bands for all positions, some information may be accessible through state transparency initiatives or collective bargaining agreements for unionized employees.

• Lecturer (Part-Time or Non-Tenure Track): Typical salary range is approximately $1,500–$3,000 per course per semester (USD equivalent). Compensation often depends on the number of courses taught and does not usually include benefits.
• Assistant Professor: Average salary range is around $60,000–$75,000 annually (USD equivalent). Entry-level tenure-track positions may offer additional research funding or startup packages in certain fields.
• Associate Professor: Typical range is $75,000–$90,000 per year (USD equivalent), reflecting mid-career status and often tied to tenure and publication record.
• Full Professor: Salaries generally fall between $90,000–$120,000 annually (USD equivalent), with higher earnings for senior faculty with significant research contributions or administrative duties.
• Administrative Staff (e.g., Program Coordinator): Average range is $40,000–$60,000 per year (USD equivalent), often based on state pay scales and years of service.

Salaries at UH Hilo are generally competitive within the context of public universities in Hawaii, though they may be lower compared to mainland U.S. institutions due to regional cost-of-living differences and state budget constraints. Faculty and staff compensation is often benchmarked against other University of Hawaii system campuses and adjusted periodically through union negotiations. Career progression can lead to salary increases, particularly for faculty achieving tenure or promotion to higher ranks. However, exact figures for specific roles or departments are not always publicly disclosed, and prospective employees are encouraged to consult directly with the university’s human resources department for the most current information.