isworthit

Is Diagnostic Medical Sonography a Good Career in Hawaii?

Hawaii · 2026 BLS salary data

Diagnostic Medical Sonography pay in Hawaii

The median wage is $124,430/yr — 29% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Hawaiione of the highest-paying states (#2 of 51).

The numbers in Hawaii

Real BLS state-level figures for Diagnostic Medical Sonography.

Median salary
$124,430/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$112,280 – $129,650
National median
$96,590/yr
Employed in Hawaii
210

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Hawaii

Salary alone can mislead — Hawaii costs 10% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
110
Nominal median
$124,430
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $113,118
State income tax
Up to 11%

Hawaii's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #4 of 51, down from #2 on raw salary.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Diagnostic Medical Sonography nationally — Hawaii pay is 29% above the national median. See the full Diagnostic Medical Sonography career guide →

The verdict

Yes — sonography delivers strong pay from a two-year degree with much-faster-than-average growth, one of the best pay-to-education ratios in health care. The trade-offs are physical strain and a relatively flat career ceiling.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong pay for a two-year associate degree
  • Much-faster-than-average projected growth
  • Clean, patient-facing clinical environment
  • Room to specialize (cardiac, vascular, OB)
  • Steady, recession-resistant demand

Cons

  • Physical strain (repetitive scanning, standing)
  • Relatively flat career ceiling
  • Some shift and on-call work
  • Emotionally hard scans at times
  • Requires accredited program and credentialing

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • People wanting strong pay without a four-year degree
  • Those comfortable with hands-on clinical work
  • Anyone open to specializing

✗ Probably not if…

  • People wanting a steep career ladder
  • Those who want a desk-based role

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Diagnostic Medical Sonography is worth it — titles link to the original threads.