Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Kailua, HI: $71,631 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Kailua, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $71,631 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kailua's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,043 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,752) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those embarking on a career as a radiologic technologist or technician in Kailua, HI, the starting salary in 2026 is projected to be around $71,631. This figure represents the entry-level point for new grads, highlighting a significant gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $99,752. Early-career professionals can expect progressive increases, as their pay is typically aligned with experience and skill development, moving towards the first quartile at $81,088 within a few years. Given the attractive salary potential, Kailua presents a compelling market for fresh graduates eager to make their mark in the healthcare field.
About the Kailua Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kailua
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 Kailua
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Kailua, HI typically start between $71,631 and $81,088 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $72,069 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,752 — 18.26% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Hawaii of $30,000 represents just 41.88% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($71,631/year) in Kailua. 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 Kailua
- 1Research the Kailua market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $71,631 to $81,088, 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 Kailua, 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 Kailua for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kailua'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 Kailua is $72,069 ( 100.61%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $71,631, experienced hygienists can earn up to $143,700.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,410
2025 BLS Actual
$68,032
2026 Current Est.
$71,631
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Kailua (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,261 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,936 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,042 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,789 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,097 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,032 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,631 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,420 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Kailua, HI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,410 in 2019 to $68,032 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $75,420. New graduates entering the Kailua job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kailua 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 Kailua
In Kailua, various employers are keen on hiring newly minted graduates, particularly those from JRCERT-accredited programs. Hospital systems are among the primary workplaces, often offering paid cross-training opportunities in CT during the initial years. Meanwhile, outpatient imaging chains tend to recruit cross-trained techs, while more specialized orthopedic practices often prefer techs with hands-on experience in extremity imaging. Those armed with credentials like ARRT national registration in radiography (R) and state licenses can typically command higher starting salaries. Emphasizing ongoing education, proficiency in additional modalities such as CT, MRI, and mammography can significantly enhance pay over time. For new grads, realistic expectations are that salaries will see upward movement as their expertise grows—especially by transitioning into multifaceted roles in the imaging sector, which are increasingly favored in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Kailua, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kailua in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kailua?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kailua?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kailua?
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 Kailua. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kailua 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