Entry-Level Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $72,319 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologic technologists and technicians entering the Kaneohe, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $72,319 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2034, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kaneohe's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $60,619 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,994) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kaneohe, the starting radiologic technologist and technician salary for new graduates in 2026 is projected at $72,319. This figure reflects a significant gap when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $99,994, suggesting that entry-level professionals can expect to earn around 72.3% of the median. Over the first few years in the field, individuals can anticipate growth as they move toward the 25th percentile, which stands at $81,587, indicating a promising trajectory. Kaneohe’s current job market is favorable for recent graduates, especially with the growth rate of 5.29% projected annually, allowing new professionals to gain valuable experience and advance their earning potential within their initial 3-5 years of work.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kaneohe
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 Kaneohe
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians in Kaneohe, HI typically start between $72,319 and $81,587 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $68,983 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,994 — 18.55% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiologic technology program cost in Hawaii of $30,000 represents just 41.48% of the starting radiologic technologist and technician pay ($72,319/year) in Kaneohe. 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 based on JRCERT-accredited radiography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type (community college vs. private university).
RT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Kaneohe
- 1Research the Kaneohe market: entry-level radiologic technologist and technician pay ranges from $72,319 to $81,587, 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 Kaneohe, 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 Kaneohe for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kaneohe'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.
Radiologic Technologist and Technician Compensation Range
The radiologic technologist and technician wage spread in Kaneohe is $68,983 ( 95.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $72,319, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,302.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,895
2025 BLS Actual
$68,686
2026 Current Est.
$72,319
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologic Technologists and Technicians in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.29% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,754 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,484 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,808 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,319 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,145 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologic technologist and technician compensation (10th percentile) in Kaneohe, HI grew 35.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,895 in 2019 to $68,686 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $76,145. New graduates entering the Kaneohe job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe 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 5.29% 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 Kaneohe
For those entering the field, securing a position with a reputable employer is critical to enhancing long-term earnings. In Kaneohe, hospital systems often hire new graduates, with many offering paid cross-training in computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during the first couple of years. Outpatient imaging chains also actively recruit entry-level technologists, particularly those with a willingness to expand their expertise across multiple modalities. Holding relevant credentials from a JRCERT-accredited program and an ARRT registration boosts a new grad radiologic technologist and technician pay in HI significantly. Given the current trend toward cross-training in advanced modalities like mammo and CT, early-career professionals who build a diverse skill set can expect realistic salary growth during their first three years, moving beyond purely radiography roles that tend to compress at lower pay scales. With consolidation in the outpatient imaging sector, the importance of versatility and continuing education through organizations like ASRT is more pronounced than ever, setting up newcomers for greater success in the competitive landscape.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologic technologists and technicians in Kaneohe in 2026?
How fast do radiologic technologist and technician salaries grow in Kaneohe?
Is radiologic technology school worth it in Kaneohe?
What do new radiologic technologists and technicians make right out of school in Kaneohe?
How do I become a radiologic technologist and technician in Hawaii?
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Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.
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 5.29% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Kaneohe. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kaneohe 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 5.29%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologic technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2034).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov