Diagnostic Sonographer in Hawaii: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Hawaii employs 210 diagnostic sonographers, with a statewide median of $124,430 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Hawaii licensing picture, and where to train.
What Diagnostic sonographers Earn in Hawaii (May 2025)
- Hawaii median pay
- $124,430 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $83,900
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $129,650
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $135,660
- Employed in Hawaii
- 210
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $84,470 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for diagnostic sonographers in major Hawaii markets:
- Kahului
- $125,670 (30 employed)
- Urban Honolulu
- $123,070 (160 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Hawaii
Prices in Hawaii run about 10% above the national average (cost-of-living index 110.0 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $124,430 median is worth closer to $113,118 once higher local prices are factored in.
Job Outlook in Hawaii (2024–2034)
Hawaii is projected to grow diagnostic sonographers employment +15.6%, faster than the +13.0% projected nationally. The state expects about 20 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Hawaii License and Certification Requirements
No state license; ARDMS (RDMS) credential — regulated by the No Hawaii state license — ARDMS certification is the standard.
- Hawaii does not require a separate state license.
- Complete a CAAHEP-accredited diagnostic medical sonography program.
- Earn ARDMS certification (e.g., RDMS) — the employer standard.
Official requirements: No Hawaii state license — ARDMS certification is the standard →
Training in Hawaii
Well-paid and no state license to chase. Specializing (echocardiography, vascular) raises pay.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Hawaii include:
- Kapiolani Community College — Certificate / Associate
Where Diagnostic sonographers Work in Hawaii
Real Hawaii hospitals that employ diagnostic sonographers include:
- US Army Tripler Gen Hosp — Tamc
- The Queens Medical Center — Honolulu
- Kaiser Foundation Hospital — Honolulu
- Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children — Honolulu
- VA Pacific Islands Hcs — Honolulu
- Maui Memorial Medical Center — Wailuku
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want high healthcare wages without a nursing or physician path, and who are detail-oriented and calm with patients.
Think twice if: You dislike repetitive positioning, sustained arm fatigue from holding probes, or working in darkened rooms.
Why it's resilient: Ultrasound imaging requires real-time clinical judgment, patient interaction, and probe technique that cannot be automated or outsourced.
First Steps
Find a CAAHEP-accredited diagnostic medical sonography program and check clinical placement rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic sonographers make in Hawaii?
The median wage for diagnostic sonographers in Hawaii is $124,430 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $83,900, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $135,660. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Diagnostic Sonographer in Hawaii?
No state license; ARDMS (RDMS) credential, overseen by the No Hawaii state license — ARDMS certification is the standard. Hawaii does not require a separate state license.
Is being a Diagnostic Sonographer a good career in Hawaii?
Ultrasound imaging requires real-time clinical judgment, patient interaction, and probe technique that cannot be automated or outsourced.
Which Hawaii metros pay diagnostic sonographers the most?
Among Hawaii metro areas, Kahului leads at $125,670, followed by Urban Honolulu ($123,070). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Diagnostic Sonographer in Hawaii?
Real Hawaii options include Kapiolani Community College. Most diagnostic sonographers start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Diagnostic Sonographer a growing career in Hawaii?
Hawaii projects diagnostic sonographers employment to change +15.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 20 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Hawaii statewide and metro estimates for SOC 29-2032. Licensing summary compiled from the No Hawaii state license — ARDMS certification is the standard (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Hawaii wages · Hawaii licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.