Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Honolulu, HI: $127,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time magnetic resonance imaging technologist in Honolulu, HI earns a median $127,303/year (≈ $61.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2035). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $106,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Honolulu, Hawaii, is projected to reach $127,303, significantly above the national median of $100,283. This competitive salary reflects Honolulu's unique job market, particularly benefiting from the growing demand for specialized services such as cardiac MRI and neuro imaging. Within the local market, salaries range from $85,669 at the lower end (P10) to $172,519 at the higher end (P90), highlighting the diverse opportunities within the field. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, emphasizing the city’s ability to attract talent in a specialty field that requires advanced certification and expertise. As Honolulu continues to develop its healthcare infrastructure, opportunities for MRI technologists are not only robust but also increasingly rewarding.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $85,669 | $41.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $103,126 | $49.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $127,303 | $61.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,077 | $69.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $172,519 | $82.94 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,850 (2026 est.). At $127,303, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $100,283.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $127,303/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $119,645 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $100,283 | +26.94% more |
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $127,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $100,283 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $119,645.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $127,303 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $106,708 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$93,189
2025 BLS Actual
$121,206
2026 Current Est.
$127,303
2019–2027 Growth
+43.5%
Salary Trajectory for Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.03% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $93,189 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,814 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,204 | Actual |
| 2022 | $101,669 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,303 | Actual |
| 2024 | $129,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $121,206 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $127,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $133,706 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary grew 30.1% from $93,189 (2019) to $121,206 (2025). At a 5.03% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $133,706 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,517 (43.48%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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) | $85,669 – $103,126 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $103,126 – $127,303 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $127,303 – $145,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,077 – $172,519 |
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 Honolulu
The job market in Honolulu currently employs around 68 magnetic resonance imaging technologists, a number that shows promise given the expected annual growth rate of 5.03% over the next five years. However, the cost of living in the city is relatively high, with a cost-of-living index of 119.3, meaning individuals in this sector should strategically consider their employment options. Hospitals and specialized outpatient imaging centers, like RadNet and SimonMed, are among the highest-paying employers. Subspecialties play a crucial role in determining salary brackets, with cardiac MRI roles often commanding higher pay compared to other areas such as musculoskeletal or general imaging. Strategies for maximizing earnings include pursuing certification, such as the MRSO, seeking night or weekend shifts that typically offer premiums, and considering travel MRI positions, which tend to pay more due to their flexibility and demand. Understanding these dynamics can help technologists effectively navigate their career path in this vibrant Honolulu market.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $121,206 for magnetic resonance imaging technologistsin the Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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