Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in East Honolulu, HI: $343,270 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the East Honolulu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $343,270 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out East Honolulu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $287,737 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($591,845) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of radiology in East Honolulu, HI, the starting salary can be quite promising. With an entry-level position paying around $343,270, aspiring radiologists should consider how this figures into the broader city median of $591,845. While there is a noticeable gap of about $248,575 between starting salaries and the median, early-career professionals can anticipate significant growth opportunities. Over the first few years, as they move from the tenth percentile to the twenty-fifth percentile with a projected salary of $426,129, they could see their earnings steadily increase. With a strong annual growth rate of 5.00%, East Honolulu may present an attractive market for new graduates, especially given its competitive compensation compared to national averages.
About the East Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in East Honolulu
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 East Honolulu
Entry-level radiologists in East Honolulu, HI typically start between $343,270 and $426,129 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $495,068 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $591,845 — 33.93% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Hawaii of $300,000 represents just 87.39% of the starting radiologist pay ($343,270/year) in East Honolulu. 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 AAMC tuition reports for LCME-accredited MD programs and COCA-accredited DO programs plus ACGME-accredited diagnostic radiology residency data. Totals reflect 4 years of medical school tuition, fees, and living expenses. Residency is salaried but adds opportunity cost; subspecialty fellowships add 1-2 additional years.
MD, DO Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in East Honolulu
- 1Research the East Honolulu market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $343,270 to $426,129, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the radiology field — employers in HI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in East Honolulu, 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 East Honolulu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in East Honolulu'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.
Radiologist Compensation Range
The radiologist wage spread in East Honolulu is $495,068 ( 144.22%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $343,270, experienced hygienists can earn up to $838,338.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$289,350
2025 BLS Actual
$326,924
2026 Current Est.
$343,270
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in East Honolulu (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $289,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $284,906 | Actual |
| 2023 | $292,950 | Actual |
| 2024 | $240,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $326,924 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $343,270 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $360,434 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in East Honolulu, HI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $289,350 in 2021 to $326,924 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $360,434. New graduates entering the East Honolulu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East 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 5.00% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your radiology Career in East Honolulu
In East Honolulu, various employers actively seek out new radiology graduates to fill available positions. Academic medical centers often provide a diverse range of subspecialty training, which can be beneficial for those eager to pursue fellowship opportunities. Large private partnerships typically hire residents directly, offering a pathway to partnership within two to three years, while teleradiology firms increasingly hire fellowship-trained radiologists for the flexibility of a remote-first work environment. To enhance their entry-level compensation, new graduates should ensure they hold an MD or DO degree, complete a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and obtain ABR board certification. In the first few years, radiologists will find that engagement in continuing education and possibly pursuing subspecialty fellowships can lead to more lucrative positions. With the current evolution of the radiology profession influenced by private equity acquisitions since 2018, new graduates can expect a differentiating salary trajectory between W-2 hospital employment, which typically yields around $400,000 to $550,000, and private practice partnership opportunities that attract significantly higher earnings. As new entrants navigate their initial careers, planning their next moves strategically will be key to fruitful opportunities in the East Honolulu market.
More salary data for East Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in East Honolulu in 2026?
How fast do radiologist salaries grow in East Honolulu?
Is radiology school worth it in East Honolulu?
What do new radiologists make right out of school in East Honolulu?
How do I become a radiologist in Hawaii?
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has 10 years of experience in diagnostic radiology. She specializes in imaging techniques for oncology. She works at a regional medical 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 radiology graduates. A 5.00% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in East Honolulu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East 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 5.00%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for radiologists (SOC 29-1224).
Compiled and verified by Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed radiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov