Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Hoover, AL: $34.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Hoover, AL runs $34.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,138 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Hoover's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,280 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hoover, Alabama, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $34.68 in 2026, significantly lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This discrepancy highlights how local pay reflects regional economic factors and the cost of living index, which is below the national average at 87.9. For sonographers working part-time, specifically three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a solid income, although it may not match what full-time peers earn. Per-diem workers in Hoover, who typically work in diverse environments ranging from hospital ultrasound suites to outpatient imaging centers, can expect to earn varying rates, with entry-level positions starting around $24.20 and top earners potentially making up to $46.56 per hour.
About the Hoover Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.20 | $193.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.50 | $227.99 |
| Median (P50) | $34.68 | $277.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.61 | $308.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.56 | $372.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hoover
Based on $34.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.68/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hoover, AL can expect to earn approximately $72,133 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,615. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hoover.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hoover
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,387.17 | $6,011 | $72,133 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $832.30 | $3,607 | $43,280 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $554.87 | $2,404 | $28,853 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Hoover) | $34.68 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Cardiovascular Technologist (National Avg) | $33.92 |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Hoover, AL earn a median of $72,138 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.82% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.00% above the Alabama state average of $71,424.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.68/hr = $43,280/year (purchasing power: $49,238).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,133/year (purchasing power: $82,063).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.43/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.05/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Hoover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.05/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hoover grew 30.0% from $25.43/hr (2019) to $33.05/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.39/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hoover 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.
Working as an Hourly Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Hoover
Considering part-time opportunities, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week at $34.68 would bring home around $54,000 annually, which can supplement income from other sources or fit into a flexible lifestyle. For those engaging in per diem work—often billed at rates between $55 and $80 per hour—the potential earnings significantly increase, particularly for specialties like cardiac echo, which can command $70 to $95 hourly. Hourly pay varies across employer types in Hoover; hospitals might offer more stable hours but at lower rates compared to the lucrative per diem and travel contracts, which can range from $2,000 to $3,200 weekly for contract positions. Although some sonographers may accept lower hourly wages for the stability of benefits, others strategically negotiate higher income for flexibility without health insurance. Understanding the local job market and the dynamics of hourly rates can enhance one's position in this evolving field.
More salary data for Hoover, AL:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hoover. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hoover 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