MRI Technologist Pay

Honolulu vs Kahului: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary (2026)

Compare magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries between Honolulu, HI and Kahului, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Honolulu, HI
$127,303
$61.20/hr
Kahului, HI
$113,704
$54.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHonolulu, HIKahului, HI
Median Salary$127,303$113,704
Hourly Rate$61.20$54.67
Entry Level (P10)$85,669$85,424
25th Percentile$103,126$95,578
75th Percentile$145,077$124,299
Top Earner (P90)$172,519$145,969
Total Employed685
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Honolulu ($127,303) and Kahului ($113,704) magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries.HonoluluKahuluiMedian Salary$127,303$113,704Entry Level (P10)$85,669$85,424Top Earner (P90)$172,519$145,969US Median $100,283

Verdict

Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for magnetic resonance imaging technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kahului.

The salary gap between Honolulu and Kahului is $13,599 (11.96%). Honolulu's median is +26.94% compared to the US national median of $100,283.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $86,850,Kahului spans $60,545. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Honolulu
P10 (Entry)$85,669
P25$103,126
Median$127,303
P75$145,077
P90 (Top)$172,519
Kahului
P10 (Entry)$85,424
P25$95,578
Median$113,704
P75$124,299
P90 (Top)$145,969

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Honolulu ($106,708 effective) pays 11.96% more than Kahului ($95,309 effective).

Honolulu
Nominal: $127,303
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $106,708
Kahului
Nominal: $113,704
CoL Index: 119.3
Adjusted: $95,309

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Honolulu if…

  • Higher median salary ($127,303/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($172,519)
  • Larger job market (68 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,708)
  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Choose Kahului if…

  • You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries in Honolulu grew -6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -6.4% growth in Kahului over the same period.

Honolulu, HI

+-6.4%

$129,482 (2024) → $121,206 (2025)

Kahului, HI

+-6.4%

$115,651 (2024) → $108,259 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays magnetic resonance imaging technologists more: Honolulu or Kahului?

Honolulu has a higher median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary at $127,303/year, compared to Kahului at $113,704/year — a difference of $13,599 (11.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Kahului?

Honolulu magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $61.20/hr while Kahului hygienists earn $54.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Honolulu to Kahului as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Honolulu and Kahului. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Honolulu = $106,708, Kahului = $95,309), job availability (68 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn in Honolulu vs Kahului?

Entry-level (10th percentile) magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn $85,669 in Honolulu and $85,424 in Kahului. The Honolulu area offers higher starting salaries.
CT

Written by Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR)

Career Analyst

Carmen has 10 years of experience as an MRI technologist. She specializes in pediatric imaging at a regional hospital. Carmen contributes to various industry publications.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Patel, R.T. (R)(MR)Data verified by Li Chen, MS, R.T. (R)(MR)

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.03% 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 Carmen Torres, R.T. (R)(MR), a licensed magnetic resonance imaging technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov