Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Athens, OH: $39.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Athens, OH runs $39.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,801 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Athens's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,081 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Athens, Ohio, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay averages $39.33, which is noticeably below the national median of $48.73. This disparity may influence those considering part-time or per-diem work, settings often found in hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging facilities. With this hourly wage, part-time workers averaging three days a week can expect a reasonable income but may not match the financial stability of their full-time counterparts. Entry-level sonographers start at about $29.12 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $49.55 per hour, highlighting the pay progression within this critical healthcare field. These estimates, derived from annual salary projections, illustrate the financial landscape for diagnostic medical sonographers in Athens.
About the Athens Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.12 | $232.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.28 | $266.27 |
| Median (P50) | $39.33 | $314.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.40 | $339.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.55 | $396.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Athens
Based on $39.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.33/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Athens, OH can expect to earn approximately $81,802 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,193. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Athens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Athens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,573.11 | $6,817 | $81,802 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $943.87 | $4,090 | $49,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $629.24 | $2,727 | $32,721 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Athens) | $39.33 |
| 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 Athens, OH earn a median of $81,801 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.29% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 7.20% below the Ohio state average of $88,148.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.33/hr = $49,081/year (purchasing power: $54,114).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,802/year (purchasing power: $90,189).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Athens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.27/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Athens grew 30.0% from $28.84/hr (2019) to $37.48/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.27/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 Athens 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 Athens
Assessing the financial realities for part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Athens reveals a distinct earning potential. A sonographer working 24 hours a week can expect to earn significantly less annually than someone working full-time, impacting long-term financial goals. Furthermore, the per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Athens can range from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized modalities such as cardiac echo commanding highs of $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts can offer even more lucrative opportunities, with rates ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 per week. Hourly rates can also differ across employer types, with hospitals and outpatient centers typically offering steady work compared to potential higher pay but less stability in private practice and travel positions. For those willing to negotiate, understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay versus health benefits can be crucial. Many sonographers in Athens may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for employer-sponsored health insurance, while others prioritize financial compensation without benefits. This dynamic can inform negotiation strategies, empowering professionals to make choices that align with their individual circumstances and career aspirations.
More salary data for Athens, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Athens in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Athens?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Athens 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 Athens. 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 Athens 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