Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Waipahu, HI: $343,135 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Waipahu, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $343,135 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Waipahu's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $287,624 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($591,611) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For newly graduated radiologists in Waipahu, Hawaii, the entry-level salary presents a unique opportunity to establish a solid foundation in their careers. The starting annual salary for an entry-level position is approximately $343,135, which falls significantly below the city median of $591,611. However, this gap may not be a cause for concern, as new radiologists can typically expect to see growth in their salaries over the first few years of practice. Graduates who successfully navigate their initial employment years can aim for the P25 mark of $425,960 in their early career trajectory. Given the projected 5.00% growth rate in the field, Waipahu appears to be a favorable market for new graduates, particularly for those looking to build experience in a region with a supportive healthcare environment.
About the Waipahu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Waipahu
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 Waipahu
Entry-level radiologists in Waipahu, HI typically start between $343,135 and $425,960 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $494,412 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $591,611 — 33.88% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Hawaii of $300,000 represents just 87.43% of the starting radiologist pay ($343,135/year) in Waipahu. 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 Waipahu
- 1Research the Waipahu market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $343,135 to $425,960, 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 Waipahu, 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 Waipahu for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Waipahu'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 Waipahu is $494,412 ( 144.09%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $343,135, experienced hygienists can earn up to $837,547.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$289,236
2025 BLS Actual
$326,795
2026 Current Est.
$343,135
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Waipahu (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $289,236 | Actual |
| 2022 | $284,794 | Actual |
| 2023 | $292,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $240,700 | Actual |
| 2025 | $326,795 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $343,135 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $360,291 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Waipahu, HI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $289,236 in 2021 to $326,795 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $360,291. New graduates entering the Waipahu job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waipahu 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 Waipahu
In Waipahu, various employers actively hire newly minted radiologists, including academic medical centers and large private practices. Academic settings often offer subspecialty exposure and robust fellowship pathways, while private partnerships tend to recruit from residency programs with an aim toward longer-term commitments. Additionally, teleradiology firms present remote-first opportunities, attracting fellowship-trained radiologists who appreciate a flexible lifestyle. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a diagnostic radiology residency, and board certification from the ABR are essential for enhanced starting pay in HI. For early-career professionals, it's vital to consider the evolving landscape of partnerships versus W-2 hospital employment, where typical salaries may range from $400,000 to $550,000. Realistically, as radiologists gain experience in their first three years, compensation can progressively reflect the growing demand and shifting market dynamics, aligning more closely to industry standards amidst increasing competition.
More salary data for Waipahu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for radiologists in Waipahu in 2026?
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Is radiology school worth it in Waipahu?
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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 Waipahu. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waipahu 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