Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Muscatine, IA: $39.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Muscatine, IA runs $39.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Muscatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,727 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muscatine, Iowa, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $39.04 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This discrepancy can have implications for part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week, earning approximately $624 weekly, translating to roughly $32,448 annually. For per-diem professionals, operating in various settings like hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN offices, the potential increase in hourly earnings is a draw. For instance, while entry-level sonographers might start at around $30.50 per hour, more experienced practitioners can earn as much as $49.57 hourly. These figures are essential for understanding the financial landscape of sonography in Muscatine, especially as healthcare providers look to balance cost structures amid the changing market.
About the Muscatine Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.50 | $244.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.24 | $273.91 |
| Median (P50) | $39.04 | $312.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.41 | $339.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.57 | $396.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muscatine
Based on $39.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.04/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muscatine, IA can expect to earn approximately $81,212 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,853. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muscatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muscatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,561.78 | $6,768 | $81,212 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.07 | $4,061 | $48,727 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.71 | $2,707 | $32,485 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Muscatine) | $39.04 |
| 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 Muscatine, IA earn a median of $81,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.87% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.60% below the Iowa state average of $86,950.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.04/hr = $48,727/year (purchasing power: $53,902).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,212/year (purchasing power: $89,837).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Muscatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Muscatine grew 30.0% from $28.63/hr (2019) to $37.21/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.97/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 Muscatine 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 Muscatine
Beyond the base hourly pay, part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Muscatine have varied earning potential that diverges significantly from full-time peers. A typical three-day work schedule may not only result in lower annual earnings but also limit exposure to benefits that come with full-time positions. For those considering per diem opportunities, the scenario shifts dramatically, as these professionals typically charge between $55 and $80 per hour, with cardiac echo and vascular sonographers often demanding even higher rates. Various employer types also play a role in shaping compensation; for example, hospital imaging departments may present different pay scales compared to outpatient facilities or specialized practices in cardiology. Many sonographers weigh the immediate higher hourly rates against job security and benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rate, clear communication about workload, skills (such as additional credentials like RDMS, RDCS, or RVT), and the different needs of employers in Muscatine can play a pivotal role in achieving a favorable outcome.
More salary data for Muscatine, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Muscatine in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Muscatine?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Muscatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Muscatine?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Muscatine?
Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Muscatine. 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 Muscatine 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