Entry-Level Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Pearl City, HI: $80,172 (2026)
Quick Answer:New ultrasound technologists entering the Pearl City, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,172 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Pearl City's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $67,202 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($117,356) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Graduating as an ultrasound technologist in Pearl City, HI, offers promising financial prospects. For entry-level positions, the starting ultrasound technologist salary in Pearl City is projected at $80,172 in 2026, which significantly lags behind the city's median salary of $117,356. However, new graduates can expect a healthy growth trajectory in their earnings over the first few years, moving through the 25th percentile at $99,708 and likely approaching the median within three to five years. With the projected growth rate for this profession at 4.93%, Pearl City presents a favorable market for fresh graduates keen on embarking on their careers in medical imaging.
About the Pearl City Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Pearl City
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 Pearl City
Entry-level ultrasound technologists in Pearl City, HI typically start between $80,172 and $99,708 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,474 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $117,356 — 15.79% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average medical imaging program cost in Hawaii of $32,000 represents just 39.91% of the starting ultrasound technologist pay ($80,172/year) in Pearl City. 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 Pearl City
- 1Research the Pearl City market: entry-level ultrasound technologist pay ranges from $80,172 to $99,708, 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 Pearl City, 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 Pearl City for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Pearl City'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 Pearl City is $75,474 ( 94.14%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,172, experienced hygienists can earn up to $155,646.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$59,450
2025 BLS Actual
$76,405
2026 Current Est.
$80,172
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Pearl City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,450 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,599 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,190 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,206 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,741 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,088 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,405 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,172 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,124 | Projected |
Entry-level ultrasound technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Pearl City, HI grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,450 in 2019 to $76,405 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,124. New graduates entering the Pearl City job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pearl City 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 Pearl City
Prospective employers for new grads in Pearl City primarily consist of large hospital systems and corporate group practices that are known for their structured onboarding processes. Securing state licensure is essential, and pursuing advanced certifications recognized by the national body can enhance starting pay opportunities in HI. For new ultrasound technologists in their first few years, navigating the varied compensation landscape based on employer type and geographic location will be crucial. As experience builds, salary growth may range broadly, and many can anticipate moving toward the higher end of the spectrum in a relatively short time, positioning themselves favorably within the broader context of the industry.
More salary data for Pearl City, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for ultrasound technologists in Pearl City in 2026?
How fast do ultrasound technologist salaries grow in Pearl City?
Is medical imaging school worth it in Pearl City?
What do new ultrasound technologists make right out of school in Pearl City?
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 Pearl City. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Pearl City 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