Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Shoreline, WA: $54.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Shoreline, WA runs $54.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,415 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Shoreline's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,043 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shoreline, Washington, a diagnostic medical sonographer earns a median hourly rate of $54.52, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.73. This robust pay scale reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings, including hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a respectable income, especially when supplemented by per diem opportunities in practices like OB-GYN and cardiology. The hourly compensation can vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $37.45 and experienced sonographers potentially earning up to $72.46, thus presenting various options for both new graduates and seasoned professionals in the field.
About the Shoreline Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.45 | $299.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.37 | $355.00 |
| Median (P50) | $54.52 | $436.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.26 | $482.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.46 | $579.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shoreline
Based on $54.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.52/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shoreline, WA can expect to earn approximately $113,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,426. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Shoreline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shoreline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,180.87 | $9,450 | $113,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,308.52 | $5,670 | $68,043 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $872.35 | $3,780 | $45,362 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Shoreline) | $54.52 |
| 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 Shoreline, WA earn a median of $113,415 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.90% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.30% above the Washington state average of $113,075.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.52/hr = $68,043/year (purchasing power: $63,355).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,405/year (purchasing power: $105,591).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Shoreline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $58.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Shoreline grew 30.0% from $39.98/hr (2019) to $51.96/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.21/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 Shoreline 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 Shoreline
For those contemplating a part-time career, working a 24-hour week as a diagnostic medical sonographer could yield an annual take-home pay that still reaches commendable levels when compared to full-time wages. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Shoreline generally ranges between $55 and $80 an hour, with cardiac echo specialists commanding even higher rates, sometimes reaching $70-$95 per hour. Travel sonography contracts are attractive for those willing to relocate temporarily, offering weekly earnings between $2,000 and $3,200, particularly in cardiac and vascular roles. Employers across various settings—including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet, and mobile imaging companies—offer different remuneration structures; some may provide health benefits in exchange for lower hourly rates. Therefore, navigating the trade-off between a higher wage without benefits versus a lower rate with security becomes a crucial decision for many sonographers. Negotiating an hourly rate can hinge on understanding these employer offerings and positioning oneself effectively against market demand in Shoreline.
More salary data for Shoreline, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Shoreline in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Shoreline?
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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 Shoreline. 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 Shoreline 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