Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $113,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Hilo, HI earns a median $113,528/year (≈ $54.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Hilo's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $95,162 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo, Hawaii, is estimated at $113,528, surpassing the national average by 13.21%. The compensation range for this role varies significantly, spanning from $85,486 at the lower end to $149,143 at the higher end, reflecting the premium often paid for shift differentials and on-call coverage. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price levels, indicate an active job market for MRI techs, with a local focus on maximizing earnings through varied employment opportunities, particularly in settings that prioritize immediate access to MRI services.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,486 | $41.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $97,743 | $46.99 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,528 | $54.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,521 | $60.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $149,143 | $71.70 |
Median Salary Position
13.21% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
In Hilo, HI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,657 (2026 est.). At $113,528, the local median is 13.21% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hilo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hilo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Hilo median: $113,528/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hilo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $119,629 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $100,283 | +13.21% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hilo has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hilo, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,528 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $95,162 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,106
2025 BLS Actual
$108,091
2026 Current Est.
$113,528
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
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 | $83,106 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,555 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,668 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,472 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,238 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hilo metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $83,106 (2019) to $108,091 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,238 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,132 (43.48%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $85,486 – $97,743 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $97,743 – $113,528 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,528 – $126,521 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,521 – $149,143 |
MRI Tech salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Job Market in Hilo
The local job market for MRI technologists in Hilo consists of just seven professionals, presenting a concentrated competitive environment. Despite the economy's cost-of-living index of 119.3, which suggests higher living expenses and thus pressures on disposable income, there are several high-paying employment opportunities available. Outpatient MRI centers, hospitals, and mobile imaging services are among the top payers, often offering enhanced salaries for roles in specialized environments like trauma centers. The pay disparity can be attributed to factors such as subspecialization in cardiac MRI or neuro imaging, the premium associated with on-call duties, and potential stipends for MRSO certifications. To maximize earning potential in Hilo, professionals should consider diversifying their skill set, seeking additional roles that focus on in-demand subspecialties, or exploring travel opportunities that offer premium pay rates.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hilo, HI in 2026?
Is Hilo, HI a good place to work as a magnetic resonance imaging technologist?
Can magnetic resonance imaging technologists make $100K in Hilo?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $108,091 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Hilo metropolitan area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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