Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $84,208 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Honolulu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $84,208 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Honolulu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,585 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($128,660) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates aiming to start their careers as ultrasound technologists in Honolulu, the entry level ultrasound technologist salary is projected to begin at around $84,208 in 2026. This figure represents a significant starting point compared to the city's median annual salary of $128,660, indicating a noticeable gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate. However, as new technologists gain experience, they can realistically expect to move up through the salary percentiles, potentially reaching $102,208 within the first few years. Given the competitive nature of the healthcare market in Honolulu and the projected growth in this field, aspiring ultrasound technologists can find a promising environment for their careers.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Honolulu
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 Honolulu
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Honolulu, HI typically start between $84,208 and $102,208 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $90,452 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $128,660 — 26.94% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Hawaii of $32,000 represents just 38.00% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($84,208/year) in Honolulu. 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 based on accredited program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
Ultrasound Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Honolulu
- 1Research the Honolulu market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $84,208 to $102,208, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the medical imaging field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Honolulu, 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 Honolulu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Honolulu'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.
Ultrasound Technologist Compensation Range
The ultrasound technologist wage spread in Honolulu is $90,452 ( 107.41%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $84,208, experienced hygienists can earn up to $174,660.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,443
2025 BLS Actual
$80,252
2026 Current Est.
$84,208
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,443 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,573 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,691 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,353 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,266 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,252 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,208 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,360 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Honolulu, HI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,443 in 2019 to $80,252 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $88,360. New graduates entering the Honolulu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your medical imaging Career in Honolulu
In Honolulu, large hospital systems and corporate group practices are the primary employers willing to hire entry-level ultrasound technologists. These organizations often offer structured onboarding programs that facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce for new graduates. To enhance starting pay, it is beneficial for candidates to acquire state licensure and consider pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the relevant national bodies. During the first three years, compensation can vary greatly, contingent on employer type and the job market dynamics in HI. Realistic salary growth expectations suggest that new technologists could see notable increases, driven by both experience and additional qualifications, leading to more favorable pay rates within this competitive environment over their initial career years.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Honolulu in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Honolulu?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Honolulu?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Honolulu?
How do I become a ultrasound technologist in Hawaii?
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Written by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Ravi has 10 years of experience as an ultrasound technologist. He specializes in abdominal and pelvic imaging. He works in a community hospital.
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 medical imaging graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Honolulu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for ultrasound technologists (SOC 29-2032).
Compiled and verified by Ravi Patel, RDMS, RVT, a licensed ultrasound technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov