Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Tullahoma, TN: $36.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Tullahoma, TN runs $36.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,939 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Tullahoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,161 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tullahoma, TN, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median of $36.99, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73. This discrepancy can impact part-time professionals who typically work three days a week and may only earn income for 24 hours in that schedule. For per-diem sonographers, the earnings can vary widely, as they often work in diverse settings like hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers. The hourly range for sonographers in Tullahoma starts at $28.27 for entry-level positions, escalating to $46.32 for seasoned professionals in specialized fields such as cardiac or vascular sonography. These hourly estimates are constructed from annual salary projections and provide insight into the potential earnings in this vital healthcare career.
About the Tullahoma Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.27 | $226.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.11 | $248.89 |
| Median (P50) | $36.99 | $295.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.71 | $317.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.32 | $370.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tullahoma
Based on $36.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.99/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tullahoma, TN can expect to earn approximately $76,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,385. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tullahoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tullahoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,479.51 | $6,411 | $76,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $887.71 | $3,847 | $46,161 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $591.81 | $2,564 | $30,774 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Tullahoma) | $36.99 |
| 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 Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $76,939 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.09% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $83,267.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.99/hr = $46,161/year (purchasing power: $50,284).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,935/year (purchasing power: $83,807).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Tullahoma grew 30.0% from $27.12/hr (2019) to $35.25/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.81/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 Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma
Examining the earnings dynamics reveals that a Tullahoma-based diagnostic medical sonographer working part-time can expect different financial outcomes compared to full-time colleagues. For example, a part-time worker might take home less than a full-time counterpart, affecting long-term financial stability. Per-diem workers typically command higher rates, billing anywhere from $55 to $80 an hour, with certain specialists like cardiac echo sonographers even seeing rates peak at $70 to $95 hourly. In addition to hourly rates, the type of employer plays a significant role in pay variation; hospital imaging departments may offer different compensation packages compared to outpatient facilities or mobile imaging services. While some sonographers may prefer the higher hourly pay available in per-diem roles, they often sacrifice benefits such as health insurance, illustrating the trade-offs within the profession. When negotiating hourly rates in Tullahoma, understanding the local market and articulating the value of specialized credentials like RDMS or RVT can be advantageous for sonographers looking to enhance their overall pay package.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Tullahoma in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Tullahoma?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Tullahoma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Tullahoma?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Tullahoma?
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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 Tullahoma. 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 Tullahoma 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