Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $128,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Honolulu, HI earns a median $128,660/year (≈ $61.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $107,846 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Honolulu reaches a notable median of $128,660, significantly above the national average of $101,352, highlighting the value assigned to this profession in the local healthcare market. The salary range for these professionals spans from $84,208 at the 10th percentile to $174,660 at the 90th percentile, offering a diverse earning potential influenced by experience and specialty. Moreover, local figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments, illustrate the distinct pay gradient between various sonography specialties. Cardiac echo sonographers in particular tend to dominate the higher end of the pay spectrum, affirming the demand for their specialized skills in Honolulu's healthcare facilities.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,208 | $40.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $102,208 | $49.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $128,660 | $61.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,741 | $70.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $174,660 | $83.98 |
Median Salary Position
26.94% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $90,452 (2026 est.). At $128,660, the local median is 26.94% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $128,660/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $120,921 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +26.94% more |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $128,660 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,846 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,345
2025 BLS Actual
$122,615
2026 Current Est.
$128,660
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,345 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,376 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,686 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,269 | Actual |
| 2023 | $107,229 | Actual |
| 2024 | $132,021 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,615 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $128,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,003 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $94,345 (2019) to $122,615 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,003 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,658 (43.10%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $84,208 – $102,208 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $102,208 – $128,660 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $128,660 – $145,741 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,741 – $174,660 |
DMS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual diagnostic medical sonographer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Market in Honolulu
Across Honolulu, 68 diagnostic medical sonographers currently contribute to the local healthcare workforce, emphasizing a stable job market for this segment. However, the cost of living in Honolulu, with a Col index of 119.3, suggests that while salaries are comparatively high, the purchasing power may not be as substantial as it appears. For those looking to maximize their compensation in this environment, focusing on high-paying employers—such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and specialized practices in cardiology and vascular surgery—could yield better financial outcomes. The variation in pay can be driven by factors like specialty, shift differentials, and the premiums offered by travel sonography agencies. Therefore, obtaining advanced credentials from ARDMS, particularly in cardiac echocardiography, and exploring opportunities in high-demand areas are strategic pathways for practitioners aiming to enhance their earning potential in Honolulu, HI.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $122,615 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Honolulu metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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