Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Westminster, CA: $66.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Westminster, CA runs $66.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,867 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, a diagnostic medical sonographer can expect to earn an impressive median hourly rate of $66.40, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73. This notable difference reflects the unique job market and cost of living in California. For professionals considering part-time options, such as working three days a week, this hourly pay can translate into a competitive income while allowing for flexible scheduling. Per-diem sonographers find a range of pay, with typical positions in settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices offering a varied landscape, where entry-level professionals start around $46.17 and top earners can reach up to $89.27 per hour based on their experience and specialty credentials like RDMS or RDCS.
About the Westminster 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) | $46.17 | $369.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.66 | $437.26 |
| Median (P50) | $66.40 | $531.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.01 | $592.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.27 | $714.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $66.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.40/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,111 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,680. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,655.99 | $11,509 | $138,111 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,593.59 | $6,906 | $82,867 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,062.40 | $4,604 | $55,245 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Westminster) | $66.40 |
| 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 Westminster, CA earn a median of $138,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.26% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.10% above the California state average of $136,601.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.40/hr = $82,867/year (purchasing power: $73,269).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,111/year (purchasing power: $122,114).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.74/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Westminster grew 30.0% from $48.69/hr (2019) to $63.28/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.67/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 Westminster 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 Westminster
Considering part-time employment can have significant implications on overall earnings for a diagnostic medical sonographer in Westminster. A professional working 24 hours weekly can make a substantial income annually, even compared to their full-time counterparts. Moreover, the per diem framework is attractive for sonographers, as typical billing ranges from $55 to $80 per hour; with cardiac echo specialists earning up to $95. Employment in differing settings—like outpatient imaging centers or mobile imaging companies—also affects pay rates and may come with trade-offs between higher hourly wages and less comprehensive benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rates in Westminster, understanding the nuances of employer types and the potential for per diem contracts is vital. Remember, while higher hourly rates come with less job security and fewer benefits, securing a stable amount also involves weighing those benefits against total compensation for a well-rounded understanding of your worth as a diagnostic medical sonographer.
More salary data for Westminster, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Westminster?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Westminster?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
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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 Westminster. 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 Westminster 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