Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $150,981 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $150,981/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $126,556 in average-cost America. The 32% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, the experienced ultrasound technologist salary reaches a promising peak among top earners, with the projected P90 at $150,981 and P75 at $127,113 for 2026. This positions Hilo's top ultrasound technologist salary significantly above the national average, which stands at $101,352, reflecting a competitive edge of over 13% for skilled professionals in the region. To attain this level of compensation, practitioners typically require extensive experience—generally more than seven years—along with advanced training and potential specialization in high-demand areas like vascular or obstetric ultrasound. The clear gap between the median salary of $114,738 and the highest earners signals substantial opportunities for those willing to invest in their professional development and stay abreast of evolving technologies in the field.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $127,113 and $150,981 per year (2026 est.). This $66,874 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $114,738 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $114,738 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $127,113 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $150,981 | $135,748 |
In Hilo, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 31.59% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $114,738 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $127,113–$150,981 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced ultrasound technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured ultrasound technologists in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Ultrasound Technologists in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Ultrasound Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $150,981).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Hilo ($150,981) is 0.21% below the Hawaii average P90 ($151,298).
2019 BLS Actual
$113,512
2025 BLS Actual
$143,887
2026 Current Est.
$150,981
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $113,512 | Actual |
| 2020 | $117,161 | Actual |
| 2021 | $113,056 | Actual |
| 2022 | $119,819 | Actual |
| 2023 | $129,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $159,413 | Actual |
| 2025 | $143,887 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $150,981 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $158,424 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $113,512 in 2019 to $143,887 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 4.93% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $158,424 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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.
Maximizing Your Ultrasound Technologist Earnings in Hilo
When analyzing senior ultrasound technologist pay in HI, several factors influence compensation levels, including the type of healthcare providers employing these professionals. Large healthcare organizations or specialty clinics often offer higher salaries than smaller community health centers or private practices, reflecting differences in available resources and patient volume. Advanced credentials can significantly enhance earning potential; obtaining state licensure along with national certifications boosts competitiveness in the job market. Those in senior positions may also pursue leadership roles such as clinical coordinators or department directors, which demand both expertise and management skills, further increasing financial rewards. Non-salary benefits like shift differentials and robust health packages, particularly in larger institutions, also play a critical role in total compensation packages, making Hilo an attractive locale for seasoned ultrasound technologists seeking to maximize both their salary and overall benefits.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Hilo?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Hilo?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $143,887 for ultrasound technologists in the Hilo metro area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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