Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $332,292 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Hilo, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $332,292 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hilo's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,535 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($572,918) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hilo, Hawaii, new graduates entering the radiology field can expect a starting pay around $332,292 in 2026. This initial salary is significantly below the city's median for radiologists, which stands at $572,918, highlighting a notable gap for entry-level positions. However, as early-career professionals gain experience, the growth potential is visible, with opportunities to move towards the $412,501 mark within just a few years. Hilo's job market is currently favorable for new grads, particularly given the projected annual growth rate of 5.00%, suggesting the demand for radiologists will continue to rise, making it an inviting place for newcomers to establish their careers.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hilo
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 Hilo
Entry-level radiologists in Hilo, HI typically start between $332,292 and $412,501 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $462,163 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $572,918 — 29.65% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Hawaii of $300,000 represents just 90.28% of the starting radiologist pay ($332,292/year) in Hilo. 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 Hilo
- 1Research the Hilo market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $332,292 to $412,501, 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 Hilo, 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 Hilo for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Hilo'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 Hilo is $462,163 ( 139.08%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $332,292, experienced hygienists can earn up to $794,455.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$280,097
2025 BLS Actual
$316,469
2026 Current Est.
$332,292
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Hilo (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $280,097 | Actual |
| 2022 | $275,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $283,581 | Actual |
| 2024 | $233,094 | Actual |
| 2025 | $316,469 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $332,292 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $348,907 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Hilo, HI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $280,097 in 2021 to $316,469 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $348,907. New graduates entering the Hilo job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) 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 5.00% 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 Hilo
Several employers in Hilo actively recruit new graduate radiologists. Academic medical centers typically offer opportunities for mentorship and exposure to various subspecialties, whereas larger private partnerships can facilitate quicker pathways to partnership after 2-3 years of employment. Teleradiology firms also present unique options, allowing fellowship-trained radiologists to work remotely, which is an attractive lifestyle choice for many. To enhance starting pay in Hawaii, credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, ABR board certification, and optional fellowship training can be beneficial. As new radiologists navigate their first years, understanding the dynamics between private partnerships, hospital employment, and subspecialty tracks can shape their career trajectories and salary expectations. Growth in this market typically reflects a healthy increase as radiologists transition from entry-level roles towards positions with greater earning potential.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Hilo in 2026?
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Is radiology school worth it in Hilo?
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Related Pages
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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 Hilo. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 5.00%, 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