Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Honolulu, HI and Urban Honolulu, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Honolulu, HI | Urban Honolulu, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,660 | $129,137▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.86 | $62.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,208 | $85,329▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,208 | $118,539▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,741▲ | $136,042 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $174,660▲ | $142,348 |
| Total Employed | 68 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Urban Honolulu, HI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Honolulu.
The salary gap between Honolulu and Urban Honolulu is $477 (0.37%). Urban Honolulu's median is +27.41% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Honolulu spans $90,452,Urban Honolulu spans $57,019. Honolulu has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Urban Honolulu ($116,381 effective) pays 7.91% more than Honolulu ($107,846 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Honolulu if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($174,660)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Urban Honolulu if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,137/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,381)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Honolulu grew -7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Urban Honolulu over the same period.
Honolulu, HI
$132,021 (2024) → $122,615 (2025)
Urban Honolulu, HI
$105,840 (2019) → $123,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Honolulu, HI
Urban Honolulu, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Honolulu or Urban Honolulu?
What is the hourly rate difference between Honolulu and Urban Honolulu?
Should I relocate from Honolulu to Urban Honolulu as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Honolulu vs Urban Honolulu?
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov