Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $41.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $41.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,976 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,185 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Grand Rapids, MI, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at approximately $41.81, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73. This disparity indicates a regional adjustment in compensation that may affect part-time and per-diem opportunities for professionals in the field. Typical settings where sonographers work, such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans, offer flexibility in hours, suitable for those seeking to work three days a week or on a per-diem basis. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings start around $33.93, while top earners can command rates up to $47.08. These figures are sourced from official data projected for 2026 based on 2025 BLS OEWS findings, reflecting the employment market's trends and demands.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.93 | $271.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.85 | $310.76 |
| Median (P50) | $41.81 | $334.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.29 | $354.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.08 | $376.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $41.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.81/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $86,974 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,178. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,672.58 | $7,248 | $86,974 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,003.55 | $4,349 | $52,185 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.03 | $2,899 | $34,790 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Grand Rapids) | $41.81 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $86,976 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.18% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.90% above the Michigan state average of $86,201.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.81/hr = $52,185/year (purchasing power: $54,617).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,974/year (purchasing power: $91,029).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Grand Rapids grew 35.9% from $29.32/hr (2019) to $39.85/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.88/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Part-time sonographers working a 24-hour week at the median hourly pay can anticipate an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Many per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Grand Rapids capitalize on the flexibility of agency work, typically billing between $55 and $80 per hour, and top rates for cardiac echo specialists can reach $70 to $95. Travel contracts further elevate potential earnings, with weekly pay ranging from $2,000 to $3,200, especially for cardiac or vascular specialties. Hourly rates can vary considerably across different employer types in the region, such as hospitals and outpatient practices. While some may accept a lower hourly rate for job stability and health insurance benefits, others prioritize higher hourly wages without benefits. Understanding the market and effectively negotiating pay can enhance earning potential, giving professionals an edge in this competitive field in Grand Rapids.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
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 Grand Rapids. 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