Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in San Diego, CA: $65.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in San Diego, CA runs $65.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,021 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against San Diego's regional price level (BEA RPP 111.9, 12% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,610 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in San Diego stands at $65.39, significantly exceeding the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate translates well for those working part-time, such as a sonographer operating three days a week, providing a steady income while allowing for a balanced schedule. Per-diem roles, often available in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans, can appeal to sonographers looking for flexible work arrangements. In San Diego, new entrants may see hourly wages starting at $32.94, while experienced professionals, particularly those specializing in cardiac echo, can earn up to $84.78, highlighting the wide range of earning potential and the increasing demand for well-trained sonographers in this vibrant market. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.94 | $263.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.40 | $419.22 |
| Median (P50) | $65.39 | $523.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.25 | $593.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84.78 | $678.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Diego
Based on $65.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.39/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Diego, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,471. With a cost-of-living index of 111.89 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Diego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Diego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,615.70 | $11,335 | $136,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,569.42 | $6,801 | $81,610 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,046.28 | $4,534 | $54,406 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (San Diego) | $65.39 |
| 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 San Diego, CA earn a median of $136,021 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.21% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.40% below the California state average of $136,567.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.39/hr = $81,610/year (purchasing power: $72,939).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,016/year (purchasing power: $121,566).
CoL index: 111.887 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in San Diego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $57.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $62.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in San Diego grew 29.1% from $48.27/hr (2019) to $62.32/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.62/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 San Diego 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 San Diego
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in San Diego, working around 24 hours a week, can expect to take home substantial earnings compared to full-time wages, showcasing the potential viability of flexible employment in this field. For those in the per-diem sector, rates typically range between $55 and $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists occasionally commanding as much as $95 per hour. When considering travel contracts, sonographers may earn between $2,000 and $3,200 weekly, particularly in high-demand areas like cardiac and vascular practices. Employers can also influence pay rates, with hospital imaging departments often offering more comprehensive benefits, albeit at slightly lower hourly rates. Negotiating effectively becomes essential, as some may choose to sacrifice a bit of hourly wage for health insurance and job security, while others might prioritize higher hourly rates devoid of benefits. Understanding the local job market dynamics and the significance of advanced credentials—such as those offered by the ARDMS—can enhance earning potential in a competitive landscape.
More salary data for San Diego, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in San Diego in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in San Diego?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in San Diego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in San Diego?
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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 San Diego. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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