Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Erie, CO: $53.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Erie, CO runs $53.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Erie's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,760 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Erie, CO, the hourly compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers stands at $53.49, surpassing the national median of $48.73 per hour. This elevated hourly rate reflects not just the local demand for skilled professionals but also the growing complexity and specialization within the field. For part-time and per-diem workers in settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging units, the potential earnings are noteworthy. For example, while entry-level positions may start around $38.26, experienced sonographers can earn up to $67.77 per hour, showcasing a significant disparity between the lower and upper echelons of hourly pay. Overall, these figures suggest a solid foundation for both full-time and flexible work arrangements in Erie, promoting a competitive landscape for aspiring diagnostic medical sonographers.
About the Erie Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.26 | $306.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.65 | $357.18 |
| Median (P50) | $53.49 | $427.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.51 | $460.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.77 | $542.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Erie
Based on $53.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.49/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Erie, CO can expect to earn approximately $111,266 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,192. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Erie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Erie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,139.73 | $9,272 | $111,266 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,283.84 | $5,563 | $66,760 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $855.89 | $3,709 | $44,506 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Erie) | $53.49 |
| 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 Erie, CO earn a median of $111,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.78% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.10% below the Colorado state average of $112,503.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.49/hr = $66,760/year (purchasing power: $63,581).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,266/year (purchasing power: $105,968).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Erie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Erie grew 30.0% from $39.23/hr (2019) to $50.98/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.13/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 Erie 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 Erie
Professionals in Erie who opt for part-time roles can expect to earn significantly different amounts compared to their full-time counterparts. Working just three days a week at an average of 24 hours results in a potential annual take-home of approximately $83,000, providing a reasonable living for many. Additionally, the per diem market presents lucrative opportunities, with many diagnostic medical sonographers billing between $55-$80 per hour, particularly in cardiac echo roles where rates can soar to $70-$95. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential, reaching $2,000-$3,200 weekly. Various employer types in Erie—from hospital imaging departments to outpatient clinics—can also affect hourly pay. Sonographers may find that while some positions within large institutions offer stability and benefits, they may come at a lower hourly rate compared to freelance or locum tenens roles, which typically offer higher pay but lack comprehensive benefits. Thus, understanding the broader context of diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Erie, CO, is essential for making informed career decisions, especially for those seeking to negotiate effectively for their next position.
More salary data for Erie, CO:
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 Erie. 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 Erie 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