Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Salem, NH: $51.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Salem, NH runs $51.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Salem's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,669 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Salem, New Hampshire, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay reaches a median of $51.02, notably surpassing the national median of $48.73. This higher pay reflects the local demand for skilled sonographers across diverse settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging facilities. For those working part-time, typically around three days per week, this hourly wage offers a substantial income opportunity, especially with the ability to bill for specific, high-demand procedures. Entry-level sonographers in Salem might start at $35.48 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $64.94 per hour, showcasing a wide pay range that caters to different levels of expertise.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.48 | $283.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.72 | $333.76 |
| Median (P50) | $51.02 | $408.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.14 | $441.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.94 | $519.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $51.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.02/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, NH can expect to earn approximately $106,115 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,220. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salem.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Salem
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,040.68 | $8,843 | $106,115 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,224.41 | $5,306 | $63,669 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $816.27 | $3,537 | $42,446 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Salem) | $51.02 |
| 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 Salem, NH earn a median of $106,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.71% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.40% below the New Hampshire state average of $108,735.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.02/hr = $63,669/year (purchasing power: $59,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,115/year (purchasing power: $98,896).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Salem grew 30.0% from $37.41/hr (2019) to $48.62/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.53/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 Salem 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 Salem
Examining the financial dynamics for part-time sonographers reveals distinct earnings potential. Working 24 hours per week at the median rate, a three-day schedule could yield over $63,000 annually, demonstrating that even part-time roles can provide a sustainable income. For those pursuing per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Salem, rates often hover between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialty areas like cardiac echo attracting even higher compensation, typically between $70 and $95. Furthermore, travel sonography contracts can offer weekly pay between $2,000 and $3,200, significantly incentivizing this flexible work model. Different employers in Salem, from large hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, present varied pay scales, often reflecting the trade-off between higher hourly rates and the benefits provided. Sonographers must consider these factors when negotiating their pay. While some may prefer a lower hourly rate for health insurance, others may opt for higher pay without benefits, depending on their personal financial situations.
More salary data for Salem, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Salem in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Salem?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Salem paid hourly or salary?
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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 Salem. 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 Salem 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