Hilo vs Urban Honolulu: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)
Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Hilo, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilo, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,488 | $108,038▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.91 | $51.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,665▲ | $38,389 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,357 | $90,865▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $117,602▲ | $112,745 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,787▲ | $127,401 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Urban Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilo.
The salary gap between Hilo and Urban Honolulu is $12,550 (13.14%). Urban Honolulu's median is +28.09% compared to the US national median of $84,348.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilo spans $69,122,Urban Honolulu spans $89,012. Urban Honolulu has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced radiologic technologist and technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Urban Honolulu ($97,366 effective) pays 21.65% more than Hilo ($80,040 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,787)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,038/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,366)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Hilo grew -9.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Hilo, HI
$99,623 (2024) → $90,690 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$86,180 (2019) → $102,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Hilo or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilo and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Hilo to Urban Honolulu as a radiologic technologist and technician?
What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Hilo vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov