Entry-Level Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Kahului, HI: $85,424 (2026)
Quick Answer:New magnetic resonance imaging technologists entering the Kahului, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,424 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2035, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kahului's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,604 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($113,704) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Kahului, the 2026 starting salary paints a promising picture. New grads can expect a starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Kahului of approximately $85,424, which is notably lower than the median annual wage of $113,704 for all MRI technologists in the area. However, there is potential for significant salary growth in the early years, as entry-level pay can rise to around $95,578 after gaining experience. Given the increasing demand for specialized imaging skills and the projected annual growth rate of 5.03%, Kahului represents a favorable market for newcomers in this field.
About the Kahului Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kahului
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 Kahului
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kahului, HI typically start between $85,424 and $95,578 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $60,545 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $113,704 — 13.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Hawaii of $9,000 represents just 10.54% of the starting magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ($85,424/year) in Kahului. 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 Kahului
- 1Research the Kahului market: entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay ranges from $85,424 to $95,578, 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 Kahului, 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 Kahului for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kahului'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 Kahului is $60,545 ( 70.88%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,424, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,969.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,389
2025 BLS Actual
$81,333
2026 Current Est.
$85,424
2019–2027 Growth
+48.6%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,431 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,787 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,463 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,573 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,333 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,424 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,721 | Projected |
Entry-level magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kahului, HI grew 34.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $60,389 in 2019 to $81,333 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,721. New graduates entering the Kahului job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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 Kahului
Employers in Kahului looking to hire new graduates often include local hospital systems, which typically favor experienced technologists but may provide cross-training opportunities for those keen to specialize in MRI. Outpatient MRI chains are also valuable sources of employment for recent graduates, sometimes offering sign-on bonuses to attract pre-credentialed MRI techs. To enhance starting pay, obtaining credentials such as ARRT registration in radiography alongside post-primary certification in MRI, or direct entry through the ARMRIT pathway, is critical. Continuing education and certifications like the MRSO can lead to roles with increased responsibilities and higher pay. As new graduates embark on their careers within the first 1-3 years, it’s realistic to anticipate eventual salary growth as the local market adapts to emerging technologies in cardiac MRI and prostate mpMRI, both rapidly growing subspecialties.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Kahului in 2026?
How fast do magnetic resonance imaging technologist salaries grow in Kahului?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kahului?
What do new magnetic resonance imaging technologists make right out of school in Kahului?
How do I become a magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hawaii?
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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 Kahului. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kahului 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