Sonographer Pay

Entry-Level Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Beaverton, OR: $80,277 (2026)

Quick Answer:New diagnostic medical sonographers entering the Beaverton, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $80,277 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Beaverton's local price level (BEA RPP 102.63% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $78,243 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($119,391) within a few years of clinical practice.

$80,277
Starting Salary
$38.59/hr
Starting Hourly
$80,277
Entry Level
$119,391
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Entry Level Salary in Beaverton, OR — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Beaverton, OR diagnostic medical sonographer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

The starting diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Beaverton, OR, is projected to be around $80,277 in 2026, marking a foundational step for newly graduated sonographers entering the workforce. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the overall city median of $119,391, highlighting a potential income gap as newcomers begin their careers. However, early-career professionals have the opportunity to increase their earnings rapidly within the first few years. As they gain experience, they can expect to see their salaries move towards the P25 figure of $95,858, reflecting the growth trajectory typical in this profession. With the region’s anticipated annual growth rate of 4.93%, Beaverton offers an encouraging market for new graduates in the field, making it a strategic location for launching a career in diagnostic medical sonography.

About the Beaverton Market

Salary estimated from Oregon average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Beaverton

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$80,277/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$95,858/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$119,391/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$130,654/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Beaverton

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for diagnostic medical sonographers in Beaverton. The median salary is $119,391, compared to the national median of $101,352.$72.2K$97.3K$122.3K$147.3K$172.3K$80.3K10th Pctl$95.9K25th Pctl$119.4KMedian$130.7K75th Pctl$164.1K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Beaverton, OR typically start between $80,277 and $95,858 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $83,806 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $119,39117.8% above the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of diagnostic medical sonographer pay in the Beaverton metro area.

Return on Investment

$30,000
Avg OR Program Cost
$80,277
Starting Salary
37.37%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average sonography program cost in Oregon of $30,000 represents just 37.37% of the starting diagnostic medical sonographer pay ($80,277/year) in Beaverton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.

Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP-accredited (JRC-DMS recognized) diagnostic medical sonography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.

DMS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Beaverton

  • 1Research the Beaverton market: entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer pay ranges from $80,277 to $95,858, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
  • 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the sonography field — employers in OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Beaverton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
  • 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Beaverton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Beaverton's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Compensation Range

The diagnostic medical sonographer wage spread in Beaverton is $83,806 ( 104.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $80,277, experienced hygienists can earn up to $164,083.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$59,528

2025 BLS Actual

$76,505

2026 Current Est.

$80,277

2019–2027 Growth

+41.5%

Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Beaverton (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Beaverton. Baseline $59,528 in 2025, projected to $84,234 by 2027.$54.6K$63.2K$71.9K$80.5K$89.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$59.5K$60.7K$67.3K$69.3K$71.8K$75.2K$76.5K$80.3K$84.2K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$59,528Actual
2020$60,678Actual
2021$67,277Actual
2022$69,297Actual
2023$71,835Actual
2024$75,150Actual
2025$76,505Actual
2026(current)$80,277Estimated
2027$84,234Projected

Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer compensation (10th percentile) in Beaverton, OR grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $59,528 in 2019 to $76,505 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $84,234. New graduates entering the Beaverton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Beaverton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Starting Your sonography Career in Beaverton

Employment opportunities for new grad diagnostic medical sonographers in Beaverton primarily arise in hospital imaging departments, where recent graduates are often welcomed and may receive cross-training across specialties. Outpatient facilities are more inclined to recruit seasoned professionals, leaving room for entry-level hires within local healthcare systems. Credentials from a CAAHEP-accredited program followed by ARDMS or ARRT(S) certifications (like RDMS or RVT) are essential for enhancing starting pay in Oregon and establishing career growth potential. Initially, entry-level positions may not include highly sought-after specialties, but focusing on areas like cardiac echo sonography can significantly escalate pay. Realistically, a rise in salary during the first three years is feasible, particularly for those who actively pursue further credentials and opportunities within diverse settings — factors that will foster advancement and position them well in this competitive medical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Beaverton in 2026?

Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Beaverton start at approximately $80,277/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $38.59/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do diagnostic medical sonographer salaries grow in Beaverton?

Most diagnostic medical sonographers in Beaverton progress from the entry-level salary of $80,277 to the area median of $119,391 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $164,083 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is sonography school worth it in Beaverton?

With a starting salary of $80,277/year in Beaverton and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for an associate's degree (2–3 years), graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new diagnostic medical sonographers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new diagnostic medical sonographers make right out of school in Beaverton?

New sonography graduates in Beaverton typically start near the 10th percentile at $80,277/year, or approximately $38.59/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a diagnostic medical sonographer in Oregon?

To become a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer in Oregon, you typically need an associate degree or certificate in diagnostic medical sonography. from an accredited program (typically 2–3 years), then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Oregon, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some diagnostic medical sonographers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Oregon

AK

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

Methodology & Data Source

Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new sonography graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Beaverton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Beaverton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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