Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $85,486 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,486 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,656 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,528) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the field as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hilo, Hawaii, presents new graduates with a starting salary around $85,486, which is significantly lower than the city median of $113,528. However, this gap provides a clear pathway for salary growth over the initial years. Aspiring technologists can realistically expect to increase their earnings from the entry-level position through experience and additional credentials, moving towards the $97,743 mark at the P25 level and progressing toward the median salary in the first three to five years. With the projected growth rate of 5.03%, Hilo serves as a favorable market for those embarking on their careers in this specialized field.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
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 Hilo
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo, HI typically start between $85,486 and $97,743 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,657 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,528 — 13.21% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Hawaii of $9,000 represents just 10.53% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($85,486/year) in Hilo. 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 for JRCERT-accredited post-primary MRI certificate programs. Most MRI technologists first complete a radiography program, then add an MRI certificate. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution.
MRI Tech Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $85,486 to $97,743, 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 Hilo, 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 Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo'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.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Compensation Range
The magnetic resonance imaging technologist wage spread in Hilo is $63,657 ( 74.46%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,486, experienced hygienists can earn up to $149,143.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,433
2025 BLS Actual
$81,392
2026 Current Est.
$85,486
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hilo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,433 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,477 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,837 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,515 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,625 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,688 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,392 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,486 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,786 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,433 in 2019 to $81,392 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,786. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hilo 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 5.03% 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 Hilo
When seeking employment, new grads should keep in mind that while larger hospital systems often prioritize experienced radiologic technologists, they may also cross-train candidates into MRI roles as an investment in their staff. Outpatient MRI centers actively recruit pre-credentialed MRI techs, often offering enticing sign-on bonuses. Obtaining credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography along with ARRT(MR) post-primary certification, or direct entry through the ARMRIT credential, can significantly boost starting pay in Hawaii. Additionally, emerging subspecialties, including cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, represent hot areas of growth that could influence job prospects and salaries. Technologists in their first few years can anticipate a steady climb in earnings as they gain certification and experience, complementing the already impactful earning potential in Hawaii’s MRI job market.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Hilo?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Hilo?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Hilo?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hawaii?
Related Pages
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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.
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 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hilo 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 5.03%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for magnetic resonance imaging technologists (SOC 29-2035).
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