Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay in Hilo, HI: $54.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working in Hilo, HI runs $54.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,528 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Weighted against Hilo's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,121 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hilo, Hawaii, the hourly pay for magnetic resonance imaging technologists reaches a median of $54.58, significantly exceeding the national hourly median of $48.21. This competitive wage supports both full-time and part-time workers in various settings such as hospital MRI suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile MRI trailers. For part-time technologists working three days a week, the attractive pay ensures a decent income, while those opting for per-diem positions can further benefit from flexible scheduling. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $41.10 per hour, while experienced technologists may command upwards of $71.70 per hour based on their expertise and location within Hilo.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.10 | $328.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.99 | $375.92 |
| Median (P50) | $54.58 | $436.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.82 | $486.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.70 | $573.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilo
Based on $54.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.58/hr, a magnetic resonance imaging technologist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilo, HI can expect to earn approximately $113,535 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,501. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hilo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,183.36 | $9,461 | $113,535 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,310.02 | $5,677 | $68,121 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $873.35 | $3,784 | $45,414 |
Compare MRI Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist (Hilo) | $54.58 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (National Avg) | $42.41 |
| Radiation Therapist (National Avg) | $48.35 |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hilo, HI earn a median of $113,528 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.21% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 5.10% below the Hawaii state average of $119,629.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.58/hr = $68,121/year (purchasing power: $57,101).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,535/year (purchasing power: $95,168).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Hourly Rate 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 | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $55.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo grew 30.1% from $39.96/hr (2019) to $51.97/hr (2025). At a 5.03% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.33/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem magnetic resonance imaging technologists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
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.
Working as an Hourly Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist in Hilo
Several factors affect the earning potential for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo. A technologist working part-time for 24 hours a week can take home around $42,853 annually, whereas a full-time position would yield about $113,528. Per-diem workers might realize higher earnings, ranging from $55 to $85 per hour, particularly in specialized roles such as cardiac MRI, which can reach rates of $75 to $110 per hour. Contract work is lucrative as well, with travel positions yielding $2,200 to $3,400 weekly. MRI techs in Hilo can find variances in pay depending on the employer type, whether in hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile setups. While some may choose a lower hourly rate for health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiation remains key for these professionals; knowing the local market can help secure favorable hourly terms.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo in 2026?
How much do part-time magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hilo?
Are magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist make per year in Hilo?
Do magnetic resonance imaging technologists earn more per hour working part-time in Hilo?
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Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
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