Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $44.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Norfolk, VA runs $44.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,258 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,354 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly pay of $44.35, which falls slightly below the national median of $48.73. This figure significantly influences the earning potential for part-time and per-diem sonographers. For professionals working three days a week, the consistency and flexibility come with an hourly rate that allows for a reasonable income without the full-time commitment. Entry-level sonographers start at $28.96 per hour, while top earners in the field can command rates up to $62.06. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they reflect the overall competitive nature of the diagnostic medical sonography field in various settings such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging units throughout Norfolk.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.96 | $231.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.32 | $282.56 |
| Median (P50) | $44.35 | $354.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.32 | $402.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.06 | $496.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $44.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.35/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $92,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,225. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,774.16 | $7,688 | $92,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,064.49 | $4,613 | $55,354 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $709.66 | $3,075 | $36,902 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Norfolk) | $44.35 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $92,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.97% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.30% above the Virginia state average of $91,982.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.35/hr = $55,354/year (purchasing power: $53,637).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,256/year (purchasing power: $89,395).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Norfolk grew 30.0% from $32.52/hr (2019) to $42.27/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.54/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
For those considering part-time work, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week could expect to earn considerably less annually compared to a full-time role, but still maintain a livable wage. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers often enjoy higher rates of pay, billing between $55 and $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists reaching $70 to $95 per hour. Additionally, travel assignments can be lucrative, offering contracts ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 per week. Hourly rates differ across various employers, with hospitals generally providing benefits that can justify a lower pay rate compared to outpatient imaging centers or mobile services where hourly pay is typically higher but lacks benefits. Negotiation is key, especially for those prioritizing pay over benefits; understanding the local market and having clarity on personal financial needs can make a substantial difference in securing a desirable hourly rate.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Norfolk?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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