Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $53.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in New Bedford, MA runs $53.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,786 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,472 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a notable $53.26, exceeding the national hourly median of $48.73. This rate allows for a comfortable living, making the profession quite appealing, especially for part-time workers who might operate three days a week. For those who take on per-diem roles, the flexibility to work in various settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN exam rooms can be beneficial. The hourly range for sonographers here stretches from $38.73 for entry-level positions to $70.49 for top earners, enabling a diverse group of professionals to find viable opportunities across the city. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the potential for lucrative pay in this ever-evolving healthcare industry.
About the New Bedford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.73 | $309.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.09 | $360.71 |
| Median (P50) | $53.26 | $426.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.44 | $467.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.49 | $563.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $53.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.26/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $110,786 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,915. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,130.50 | $9,232 | $110,786 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,278.30 | $5,539 | $66,472 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $852.20 | $3,693 | $44,314 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (New Bedford) | $53.26 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $110,786 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.31% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $110,016.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.26/hr = $66,472/year (purchasing power: $61,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,786/year (purchasing power: $102,107).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in New Bedford grew 30.0% from $39.06/hr (2019) to $50.76/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.89/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers working an average of 24 hours a week could expect to take home about $66,202 annually, significantly lower than full-time counterparts but still providing a decent income. For those seeking more flexible arrangements, per-diem positions bring unique earning opportunities, with rates typically ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, and specialized areas like cardiac echo commanding even higher rates between $70 and $95 per hour. Travel contracts often reward sonographers with $2,000 to $3,200 weekly, particularly in high-demand areas. Hourly wages can vary according to the type of employer, whether in hospital imaging departments or private outpatient centers like RadNet. Some sonographers opt for positions offering lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others prioritize higher pay without the safety net of benefits. For those working in New Bedford, strong negotiation skills can be vital; understanding local market rates and being aware of variations among different practice settings can enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in New Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in New Bedford?
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How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in New Bedford?
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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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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