Kahului vs Pearl City: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Kahului, HI and Pearl City, HI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kahului, HI | Pearl City, HI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,866▲ | $117,356 |
| Hourly Rate | $63.40▲ | $56.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $106,179▲ | $80,172 |
| 25th Percentile | $117,480▲ | $99,708 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,866▲ | $130,402 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,826 | $155,646▲ |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Kahului, HI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Pearl City.
The salary gap between Kahului and Pearl City is $14,510 (12.36%). Kahului's median is +30.11% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kahului spans $31,647,Pearl City spans $75,474. Pearl City has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kahului ($120,543 effective) pays 22.54% more than Pearl City ($98,370 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kahului if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,866/year)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,543)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,646)
- ✓You prefer the Hawaii area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Kahului grew 17.8% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Pearl City over the same period.
Kahului, HI
$106,640 (2022) → $125,670 (2025)
Pearl City, HI
$120,422 (2024) → $111,842 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kahului, HI
Pearl City, HI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Kahului or Pearl City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kahului and Pearl City?
Should I relocate from Kahului to Pearl City as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Kahului vs Pearl City?
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