Senior Ultrasound Technologist Salary in Waipahu, HI: $159,346 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of ultrasound technologists working in Waipahu, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $159,346/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2032. Strip back Waipahu's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $133,567 in average-cost America. The 34% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waipahu, Hawaii, the financial prospects for experienced ultrasound technologists are particularly promising, especially for those achieving senior-level status with over seven years of experience. The projected 2026 median annual salary of $118,482 reflects a significant earning potential, especially when compared to top earners, who can expect to reach up to $159,346. This highlights the experience premium that exists in the region, where the gap between the median and those in the 90th percentile suggests that advancing in skill and expertise directly correlates with increased compensation. To attain these premier salary figures, technologists may need to pursue specialized training or acquire advanced certifications, demonstrating their commitment to the profession and enhancing their appeal to prospective employers in the competitive Waipahu market.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waipahu
Experienced ultrasound technologists at the top of the pay scale in Waipahu earn between $125,996 and $159,346 per year (2026 est.). This $76,028 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Waipahu median of $118,482 sits 16.9% above the US median.
Top Ultrasound Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Waipahu | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $118,482 | $101,352 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,996 | $112,202 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $159,346 | $135,748 |
In Waipahu, experienced ultrasound technologists (P90) earn 34.49% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Ultrasound Technologist Pay in Waipahu
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI ultrasound technologists with additional specialty certifications within the medical imaging field earn significantly above the $118,482 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Waipahu employers.
Specialty Focus
Ultrasound Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the medical imaging field in Waipahu command premium compensation, often reaching the $125,996–$159,346 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Clinical Ultrasound Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Ultrasound Technologist
5-10 yearsUltrasound Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedWaipahu ranks #3 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner ultrasound technologist salary (90th percentile: $159,346).
Top 10% ultrasound technologist compensation in Waipahu ($159,346) is 5.32% above the Hawaii average P90 ($151,298).
2019 BLS Actual
$119,802
2025 BLS Actual
$151,859
2026 Current Est.
$159,346
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Ultrasound Technologists in Waipahu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $119,802 | Actual |
| 2020 | $123,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $119,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $126,457 | Actual |
| 2023 | $136,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $168,142 | Actual |
| 2025 | $151,859 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $159,346 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $167,201 | Projected |
Top-earning ultrasound technologists (90th percentile) in Waipahu saw their compensation grow 26.8% from $119,802 in 2019 to $151,859 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 $167,201 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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 Waipahu
Compensation strategies for senior ultrasound technologists in Waipahu vary significantly, influenced by the type of employer. While private practices may offer attractive salary packages, larger healthcare organizations and specialty clinics tend to provide additional benefits, such as comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans. A focus on specializations, like vascular or cardiac ultrasound, can further increase salary potential and open pathways to roles such as clinical coordinator or department director. Additionally, advanced credentials recognized by the profession can not only enhance earning capability but also elevate one's professional standing within Hawai'i’s healthcare community. Non-salary compensation factors like shift differentials and employer size play an important role as well, contributing to an overall compensation framework that reflects the complexities and demands of senior ultrasound technologist positions in HI.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced ultrasound technologists make in Waipahu in 2026?
What drives higher ultrasound technologist pay in Waipahu?
What certifications boost ultrasound technologist salary in Waipahu?
Can experienced ultrasound technologists make six figures in Waipahu?
How much does ultrasound technologist salary increase over time in Waipahu?
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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 $151,859 for ultrasound technologists in the Waipahu 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 Waipahu 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