Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Paragould, AR: $86,037 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Paragould, AR earns a median $86,037/year (≈ $41.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $99,007 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Paragould, Arkansas, for 2026 is $86,037, which falls below the national median of $101,352. In this locale, sonographers can expect to see salaries ranging from $60,060 at the 10th percentile to $115,191 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations, which in Paragould, is reflected in a cost-of-living index of 86.9—indicating a lower-than-average expense for residents. Notably, those working in specialties such as cardiac echo tend to command a higher pay gradient, making this field particularly appealing for sonographers focused on advancing their careers and improving their earning potential.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,060 | $28.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,778 | $35.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,037 | $41.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96,261 | $46.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,191 | $55.38 |
Median Salary Position
15.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,131 (2026 est.). At $86,037, the local median is 15.11% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Paragould median: $86,037/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $88,063 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -15.11% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Paragould, AR earn a median of $86,037 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $88,063.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $86,037 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,007 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,090
2025 BLS Actual
$81,995
2026 Current Est.
$86,037
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,993 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,058 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,706 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,037 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,279 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $63,090 (2019) to $81,995 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,279 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,189 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,060 – $73,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,778 – $86,037 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,037 – $96,261 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $96,261 – $115,191 |
DMS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual diagnostic medical sonographer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Market in Paragould
Employment for diagnostic medical sonographers in Paragould remains relatively limited, with only seven professionals currently active in the area. This tight job market means that competition can be fierce, but the lower cost of living can enhance the effective purchasing power of the salary earned. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments are often the top-paying entities, followed closely by outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed. The disparity in salaries is influenced by several factors, including the specialty chosen, shift differentials, and experiences such as travel assignments. To maximize pay, aspiring and current sonographers should consider pursuing specialized credentials like RDCS or RVT, which can open doors to higher-paying roles and opportunities within the medical imaging field.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Paragould, AR in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Paragould?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $81,995 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Paragould metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paragould 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