Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Waynesboro, VA: $42.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Waynesboro, VA runs $42.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Waynesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,433 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Waynesboro, VA, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $42.01 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $48.73. This rate can significantly affect part-time professionals who may work three days a week, bringing home a more manageable income for those balancing other commitments. The hourly range in the area spans from $30.47 for entry-level positions to $54.70 for those at the top of their game, providing a clear trajectory for career advancement. Many sonographers find work in varied settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty practices such as cardiology labs or OB-GYN facilities, all of which can influence their hourly earnings based on demand and type of work performed.
About the Waynesboro 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) | $30.47 | $243.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.13 | $281.04 |
| Median (P50) | $42.01 | $336.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.04 | $352.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.70 | $437.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waynesboro
Based on $42.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.01/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waynesboro, VA can expect to earn approximately $87,389 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,417. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Waynesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waynesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,680.56 | $7,282 | $87,389 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,008.34 | $4,369 | $52,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.22 | $2,913 | $34,956 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Waynesboro) | $42.01 |
| 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 Waynesboro, VA earn a median of $87,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.77% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.00% below the Virginia state average of $91,990.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.01/hr = $52,433/year (purchasing power: $50,808).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,389/year (purchasing power: $84,679).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Waynesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Waynesboro grew 30.0% from $30.81/hr (2019) to $40.04/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.09/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 Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro
As a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours per week, your annual earnings would total around $52,568, offering a competitive yet different income compared to full-time professionals who earn more due to increased hours. Additionally, per-diem or agency workers often benefit from higher hourly rates, sometimes billing between $55 and $80, especially in lucrative specialties like cardiac echo, where rates can rise to $70-$95. In Waynesboro, hourly earnings vary significantly depending on the employer type; hospital imaging departments may offer more stable benefits while outpatient centers or mobile imaging companies might compensate at higher hourly rates but with less job security. Workers should weigh the benefits of consistent health insurance against the allure of higher pay without benefits. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can further maximize earnings—understanding the local demand and being aware of the specialties that pay better can provide leverage during discussions.
More salary data for Waynesboro, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Waynesboro 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 Waynesboro. 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 Waynesboro 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