Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Apple Valley, CA: $135,733 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Apple Valley, CA earns a median $135,733/year (≈ $65.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $120,011 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Apple Valley, California, reaches $135,733, representing a notable 33.92% increase over the projected national median of $101,352. Local sonographers can expect salaries ranging from $91,125 (P10) to $177,400 (P90), highlighting a substantial pay gradient within the field. This salary spread suggests a strong emphasis on specialization, especially as cardiac echo sonographers often command higher pay than their general sonography counterparts. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, incorporating regional cost adjustments that reflect Apple Valley's specific economic conditions and job market nuances.
About the Apple Valley Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,125 | $43.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,018 | $56.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $135,733 | $65.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,642 | $71.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $177,400 | $85.29 |
Median Salary Position
33.92% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley
In Apple Valley, CA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $86,275 (2026 est.). At $135,733, the local median is 33.92% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be above the median
How Apple Valley Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Apple Valley median: $135,733/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Apple Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,690 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +33.92% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $135,733 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.92% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.70% below the California state average of $136,690.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Apple Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Apple Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $135,733 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $120,011 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$99,531
2025 BLS Actual
$129,356
2026 Current Est.
$135,733
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Apple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $99,531 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $104,112 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,946 | Actual |
| 2023 | $113,125 | Actual |
| 2024 | $139,325 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,356 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $135,733 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $142,425 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $99,531 (2019) to $129,356 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $142,425 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,894 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley 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) | $91,125 – $117,018 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,018 – $135,733 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $135,733 – $148,642 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,642 – $177,400 |
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 Apple Valley
The local job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Apple Valley is relatively small, with only 19 professionals actively employed in the area. This limited employment pool may influence salaries, particularly given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, which indicates that living expenses are higher than the national average. Practitioners in Apple Valley CA who seek the best compensation will find that hospital imaging departments and cardiology practices typically offer higher salaries compared to outpatient imaging centers or OB-GYN practices. The disparity in pay can be attributed to factors such as specialties—where cardiac ultrasound roles greatly outperform vascular and OB-GYN positions—as well as shift differentials, call coverage, and incentives for travel sonography. Individuals interested in maximizing their pay should consider pursuing specialty credentials such as RDCS or RVT, partnering with organizations like the SDMS, and remaining adaptable to shifts in the healthcare market, particularly as outpatient centers consolidate.
More salary data for Apple Valley, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Apple Valley, CA in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Apple Valley?
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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 $129,356 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Apple Valley 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 Apple Valley 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