Senior Radiologist Salary in Hilo, HI: $794,455 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of radiologists working in Hilo, HI — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $794,455/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1224. Strip back Hilo's price premium (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $665,930 in average-cost America. The 39% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For senior radiologists operating in Hilo, Hawaii, the financial rewards of experience are substantial. With a projected median annual salary of $572,918 in 2026, seasoned professionals can earn significantly more, particularly top earners who reach upwards of $794,455. This upper tier of compensation diverges sharply from the median, illustrating a clear experience premium reflecting the advanced skills and specialized knowledge that long-serving radiologists bring to the table. Achieving this level of pay often requires delving into subspecialties or leadership roles, allowing these professionals to command higher fees for their expertise in a tight labor market.
About the Hilo Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hilo
Experienced radiologists at the top of the pay scale in Hilo earn between $688,470 and $794,455 per year (2026 est.). This $462,163 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Hilo median of $572,918 sits 29.65% above the US median.
Top MD, DO Salary Comparison
| Level | Hilo | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $572,918 | $441,903 |
| 75th Percentile | $688,470 | $531,311 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $794,455 | $624,131 |
In Hilo, experienced radiologists (P90) earn 38.67% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Radiologist Pay in Hilo
Advanced Certifications in Hawaii
HI radiologists with additional specialty certifications within the radiology field earn significantly above the $572,918 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Hilo employers.
Specialty Focus
Radiologists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the radiology field in Hilo command premium compensation, often reaching the $688,470–$794,455 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 radiologists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured radiologists 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
Radiologists in Hawaii who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Radiologist Career & Wage Growth Path in Hilo
Clinical Radiologist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Radiologist
5-10 yearsRadiologist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedHilo ranks #8 of 9 Hawaii cities for top earner radiologist salary (90th percentile: $794,455).
Top 10% radiologist compensation in Hilo ($794,455) is 9.09% below the Hawaii average P90 ($873,913).
2021 BLS Actual
$622,476
2025 BLS Actual
$756,624
2026 Current Est.
$794,455
2021–2027 Growth
+34.0%
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 | $622,476 | Actual |
| 2022 | $653,600 | Actual |
| 2023 | $686,280 | Actual |
| 2024 | $503,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $756,624 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $794,455 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $834,178 | Projected |
Top-earning radiologists (90th percentile) in Hilo saw their compensation grow 21.6% from $622,476 in 2021 to $756,624 in 2025, based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 5.00% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $834,178 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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.
Maximizing Your Radiologist Earnings in Hilo
Radiologists specializing in interventional radiology, neuroradiology, and other high-demand fields can expect to see differentials in senior level compensation driven by their unique skill sets. Employers also play a crucial role in determining salaries, with private radiology groups generally offering higher compensation compared to hospital-employed positions. Partnership opportunities in private practices often lead to significant financial benefits, including equity stakes, whereas teleradiology firms might provide additional earning potential through flexible night and weekend coverage roles. Advanced credentials like an MD or DO alongside ABR board certification can further elevate a senior radiologist's pay in Hilo. Moreover, compensation packages may feature non-salary elements such as RVU productivity, which rewards workload and output, emphasizing that in today’s market, senior radiologists need to strategically navigate their career paths to maximize earnings effectively.
More salary data for Hilo, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced radiologists make in Hilo in 2026?
What drives higher radiologist pay in Hilo?
What certifications boost radiologist salary in Hilo?
Can experienced radiologists make six figures in Hilo?
How much does radiologist salary increase over time in Hilo?
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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
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 $756,624 for radiologists in the Hilo metro area. A 5.00% 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 5.00%, 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