Senior Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $149,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of magnetic resonance imaging technologists working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $149,143/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-2035. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $125,015 in average-cost America. The 31% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Hilo offers a lucrative opportunity for senior magnetic resonance imaging technologists, with a projected median annual salary of $113,528 in 2026. This represents a notable gap between the median and the top earners, where those in the 90th percentile can expect to earn as much as $149,143. The top-tier pay in Hilo stands out even more when compared to the national average, where the highest national salary sits at $100,283. Experienced professionals in this field typically achieve top salaries by advancing their qualifications through certifications such as ARRT(MR) or specializing in high-demand areas, thereby maximizing their earning potential in a market that is evolving and increasingly competitive.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($102,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $126,521 and $149,143 per year (2026 est.). This $63,657 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $113,528 sits 13.21% above the US median.
Top MRI Tech Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $113,528 | $100,283 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,521 | $111,689 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $149,143 | $134,092 |
In Hilo, experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists (P90) earn 31.37% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI magnetic resonance imaging technologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiologic technology field earn significantly above the $113,528 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiologic technology field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $126,521–$149,143 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Hilo metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured magnetic resonance imaging technologists in Hilo with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist
5-10 yearsMagnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 10 Hawaii cities for top earner magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary (90th percentile: $149,143).
Top 10% magnetic resonance imaging technologist compensation in Hilo ($149,143) is 1.15% below the Hawaii average P90 ($150,882).
2019 BLS Actual
$112,982
2025 BLS Actual
$142,000
2026 Current Est.
$149,143
2019–2027 Growth
+38.6%
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 | $112,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $115,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $112,192 | Actual |
| 2022 | $116,619 | Actual |
| 2023 | $125,038 | Actual |
| 2024 | $156,156 | Actual |
| 2025 | $142,000 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $149,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $156,644 | Projected |
Top-earning magnetic resonance imaging technologists (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 25.7% from $112,982 in 2019 to $142,000 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.03% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $156,644 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologist Earnings in Hilo
In Hilo, experienced MRI technologists can further boost their compensation by pursuing specialized roles such as neuroradiology, cardiac MRI, or MR angiography, which often command higher pay. Notably, compensation significantly varies across different employer types, with hospital imaging departments generally offering more stability and benefits, while mobile MRI companies may provide flexible schedules and travel premiums. For senior roles, career paths as lead MRI techs, MRI modality supervisors, or applications specialists with major vendors like Siemens and GE can enhance both influence and pay. Additionally, non-salary benefits such as shift differentials for night and weekend work, as well as stipends for further certifications like the MR safety officer (MRSO), can make a considerable impact on overall compensation for those invested in developing their careers in this dynamic field in Hawaii.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher magnetic resonance imaging technologist pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary in Hilo?
Can experienced magnetic resonance imaging technologists make six figures in Hilo?
How much does magnetic resonance imaging technologist salary increase over time 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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $142,000 for magnetic resonance imaging technologists in the Hilo metro area. A 5.03% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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