Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Fontana, CA: $68.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Fontana, CA runs $68.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,085 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Fontana's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,250 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Fontana, CA, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $68.31, significantly above the national average of $48.73. This hourly rate provides a competitive edge for part-time and per-diem workers who typically contribute their expertise across various settings, including hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers. For instance, those working just three days a week (approximately 24 hours) can still accrue a solid income, while per-diem sonographers can command pay closer to the higher end of the spectrum, which ranges from $44.25 to $94.58. This variability means entry-level professionals earning towards the lower end can still find opportunities for growth, while seasoned sonographers can reach salaries that reflect specialized skills, particularly in fields such as cardiac echo or vascular sonography.
About the Fontana Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.25 | $353.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.97 | $431.72 |
| Median (P50) | $68.31 | $546.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.09 | $616.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.58 | $756.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fontana
Based on $68.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.31/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fontana, CA can expect to earn approximately $142,084 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $81,971. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fontana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fontana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,732.38 | $11,840 | $142,084 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,639.43 | $7,104 | $85,250 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,092.95 | $4,736 | $56,833 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Fontana) | $68.31 |
| 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 Fontana, CA earn a median of $142,085 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.19% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 4.00% above the California state average of $136,620.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.31/hr = $85,250/year (purchasing power: $75,376).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,084/year (purchasing power: $125,627).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Fontana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $70.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Fontana grew 30.0% from $50.09/hr (2019) to $65.10/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.68/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 Fontana 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 Fontana
Analysis shows various factors influencing the earnings of diagnostic medical sonographers in Fontana, such as employment type and market demand. Part-time employees logging 24 hours per week can expect an annual take-home significantly less than full-time counterparts but can enjoy the flexibility that comes with their schedule. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Fontana varies widely; many contract roles offer rates between $55 and $80 per hour, while those focusing on cardiac echo can see compensation peak at $70 to $95. Travel sonographers can significantly enhance their income through contracts that pay between $2,000 and $3,200 weekly. Employment types also affect rates; hospital imaging departments and established outpatient centers like RadNet tend to offer competitive rates compared to private practices. However, many diagnostic medical sonographers must navigate the dichotomy between seeking higher hourly wages without benefits or opting for stable employment that offers health insurance. To negotiate effectively in Fontana's market, professionals should consider their value based on credentials like RDMS or RVT and stay informed about employer-specific salary ranges to make informed decisions during hiring discussions.
More salary data for Fontana, CA:
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 Fontana. 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 Fontana 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