Entry-Level Radiologist Salary in Kahului, HI: $332,808 (2026)
Quick Answer:New radiologists entering the Kahului, HI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $332,808 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1224, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Kahului's local price level (BEA RPP 119.3 — 19% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $278,967 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($573,807) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level radiologists in Kahului, Hawaii, in 2026 are projected to begin at approximately $332,808. This initial figure is significantly lower than the overall city median of $573,807, which highlights the gap new graduates can expect as they embark on their careers. As early-career professionals advance, they may realistically see their salaries rise to around $413,141 within the first few years. Kahului's job market offers favorable growth potential, with an average trajectory indicating significant salary increases as new radiologists build their skills and reputation. With a projected growth rate of 5.00% annually, this market presents promising opportunities for new hires, making it an appealing choice for fresh graduates looking to enter the field.
About the Kahului Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($355,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Kahului
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 Kahului
Entry-level radiologists in Kahului, HI typically start between $332,808 and $413,141 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $445,692 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $573,807 — 29.85% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average radiology program cost in Hawaii of $300,000 represents just 90.14% of the starting radiologist pay ($332,808/year) in Kahului. 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 Kahului
- 1Research the Kahului market: entry-level radiologist pay ranges from $332,808 to $413,141, 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 Kahului, 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 Kahului for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Factor in Kahului'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 Kahului is $445,692 ( 133.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $332,808, experienced hygienists can earn up to $778,500.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$280,531
2025 BLS Actual
$316,960
2026 Current Est.
$332,808
2021–2027 Growth
+24.6%
Salary Trajectory for Radiologists in Kahului (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.00% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $280,531 | Actual |
| 2022 | $276,223 | Actual |
| 2023 | $284,021 | Actual |
| 2024 | $233,456 | Actual |
| 2025 | $316,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $332,808 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $349,448 | Projected |
Entry-level radiologist compensation (10th percentile) in Kahului, HI grew 13.0% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $280,531 in 2021 to $316,960 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $349,448. New graduates entering the Kahului job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kahului 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 Kahului
Employers in Kahului seeking new graduate radiologists often include larger hospital networks and academic medical centers, which are more likely to offer comprehensive training and development opportunities. These institutions can provide the crucial subspecialty exposure needed for further advancement, particularly for those who might be interested in pursuing fellowship programs. On the other hand, private partnerships may hire graduates from residency programs and expect them to contribute to productivity metrics often tied to compensation. Credentials such as an MD or DO degree, completion of a five-year diagnostic radiology residency, and ABR board certification can significantly enhance a new grad's earning potential in HI. In the first three years, radiologists can realistically expect to see gradual yet consistent increases in their compensation, especially if they strategically pursue fellowships and remain informed about the evolving dynamics of the industry, particularly the move toward private partnerships and the implications of recent private equity acquisitions on career paths.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Kahului. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Kahului 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