Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in East Honolulu, HI: $68,674 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the East Honolulu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $68,674 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out East Honolulu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $57,564 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($98,643) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the job market for entry-level radiologic technologists and technicians in East Honolulu, HI, new graduates can expect a starting salary around $68,674 in 2026. While this figure represents a challenging entry point compared to the city median of $98,643, it offers a pathway to potential growth as professionals build experience. Typically, new grads can anticipate an upward trajectory from this base pay through their early career, with salaries rising to approximately $78,821 within their first few years and potentially reaching the median salary as they gain experience and certifications. For those considering a career in this field, East Honolulu presents a viable opportunity, especially as the demand for skilled imaging professionals remains steady.
About the East Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in East 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 East Honolulu
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in East Honolulu, HI typically start between $68,674 and $78,821 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,639 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $98,643 — 16.95% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Hawaii of $30,000 represents just 43.68% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($68,674/year) in East 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 JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in East Honolulu
- 1Research the East Honolulu market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $68,674 to $78,821, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiologic technology field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in East 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 East 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 East 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.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in East Honolulu is $77,639 ( 113.05%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $68,674, experienced hygienists can earn up to $146,313.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,330
2025 BLS Actual
$65,224
2026 Current Est.
$68,674
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in East Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,330 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,145 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,586 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,647 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,674 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,307 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in East Honolulu, HI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,330 in 2019 to $65,224 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $72,307. New graduates entering the East Honolulu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East 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 5.29% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiologic technology Career in East Honolulu
In terms of employment prospects, major hospitals and outpatient imaging centers in East Honolulu are the primary employers for newly minted technologists. Many of these facilities provide competitive hiring opportunities combined with paid cross-training in specialized areas such as CT and MRI within the first couple of years, which is essential for new grads looking to boost their skill set and earning potential. Holding an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a JRCERT-accredited program, along with ARRT national registration and state licensure, enhances a candidate’s marketability. Furthermore, pursuing additional ARRT certifications in specialties like mammography can lead to better pay. During their first three years in the field, entry-level professionals can expect gradual salary increases, particularly as they transition into roles that offer higher remuneration, reflecting the broader trends in the outpatient imaging landscape while addressing the consolidation within the sector.
More salary data for East Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in East Honolulu in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in East Honolulu?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in East Honolulu?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in East Honolulu?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Hawaii?
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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
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 radiologic technology graduates. A 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in East Honolulu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East 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 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
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