Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Honolulu, HI: $61.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Honolulu, HI runs $61.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $128,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Honolulu's regional price level (BEA RPP 119.3, 19% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,197 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Honolulu, Hawaii, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $61.86, significantly higher than the national average hourly rate of $48.73. This robust hourly compensation can greatly benefit part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, allowing them to earn a substantial income without committing to a full-time schedule. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers, often employed in hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty practices, can expect to earn between $40.48 and $83.98 per hour, depending on their experience and specific work settings. The wide range of hourly pay reflects the varying levels of expertise within this field, where entry-level positions can start around $40.48 per hour and top earners, particularly in specialized areas like cardiac echo or vascular sonography, may command rates approaching $83.98 per hour.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.48 | $323.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.14 | $393.11 |
| Median (P50) | $61.86 | $494.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.07 | $560.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83.98 | $671.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Honolulu
Based on $61.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.86/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Honolulu, HI can expect to earn approximately $128,661 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,227. With a cost-of-living index of 119.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Honolulu.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Honolulu
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,474.25 | $10,722 | $128,661 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,484.55 | $6,433 | $77,197 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $989.70 | $4,289 | $51,464 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Honolulu) | $61.86 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Cardiovascular Technologist (National Avg) | $33.92 |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $128,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.94% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $120,921.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.86/hr = $77,197/year (purchasing power: $64,708).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $128,661/year (purchasing power: $107,847).
CoL index: 119.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $63.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Honolulu grew 30.0% from $45.36/hr (2019) to $58.95/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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 4.93% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Honolulu
Beyond the figures, part-time sonographers who work 24 hours a week can anticipate annual earnings significantly lower than those of full-time equivalents, but the flexibility and work-life balance may outweigh this trade-off. Per-diem and agency sonographers often earn a higher hourly rate, typically billing between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialized cardiac echo professionals commanding rates of $70 to $95. Travel contracts can offer substantial compensation, ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 per week. In Honolulu, hourly wages also vary based on the type of employer; for instance, imaging departments in hospitals may offer lower rates compared to private outpatient centers or mobile imaging services, which often pay higher wages. As sonographers weigh the benefits of consistent employment with health insurance against the flexibility of higher hourly pay without benefits, many find it useful to negotiate based on local market rates. To maximize their earning potential, professionals in Honolulu should stay informed about employer preferences and current industry trends, ensuring they are prepared for salary discussions, whether they are working directly with healthcare providers or considering opportunities with staffing agencies.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Honolulu in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Honolulu?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Honolulu paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Honolulu?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Honolulu?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for diagnostic medical sonographers in Honolulu. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Honolulu 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 4.93%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for diagnostic medical sonographers (SOC 29-2032).
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