Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Salem, VA: $42.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Salem, VA runs $42.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,188 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 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,507 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Salem, Virginia, the hourly pay for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to be $42.87 in 2026. This rate falls below the national hourly median of $48.73, indicating a competitive yet challenging market for those in the field. For part-time workers, often scheduled for three days a week, this translates to roughly $1,370 for a typical week, which can be an attractive option for individuals seeking flexibility. The hourly wage varies across different levels of experience, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $29.36 and top earners making around $54.04 per hour. In settings such as hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers, these hourly pay rates are essential for understanding one's earning potential in the diagnostic medical sonographer profession in Salem.
About the Salem 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) | $29.36 | $234.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.33 | $298.67 |
| Median (P50) | $42.87 | $343.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.01 | $368.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.04 | $432.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salem
Based on $42.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.87/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salem, VA can expect to earn approximately $89,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,449. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (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) | $1,714.98 | $7,432 | $89,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,028.99 | $4,459 | $53,507 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $685.99 | $2,973 | $35,671 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Salem) | $42.87 |
| 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, VA earn a median of $89,188 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.00% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $91,947.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.87/hr = $53,507/year (purchasing power: $51,848).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,179/year (purchasing power: $86,414).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.87/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 | $31.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.99/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 $31.44/hr (2019) to $40.86/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.99/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
Considering the nuances of part-time work versus full-time positions, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week at $42.87 per hour would take home about $67,043 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For those in per diem roles, rates can range from $55 to $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists often commanding $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, with earnings estimated between $2,000 and $3,200 per week. In Salem, hourly pay can differ depending on the employer, with hospitals and outpatient imaging centers typically offering different pricing structures and benefits. Some professionals opt for a lower hourly wage for the security of health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without benefits, balancing their financial needs with job stability. When negotiating pay, diagnostic medical sonographers might leverage their credentials from organizations like ARDMS, especially for specialties like cardiac echo, which can strengthen their position in discussions about hourly rates.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Salem in 2026?
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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