Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Irvine, CA: $141,928 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Irvine, CA earns a median $141,928/year (≈ $68.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Irvine's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $125,489 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Irvine, California can expect a median annual salary of $141,928, significantly higher than the national median of $101,352. This occupation typically spans a broad salary range from $97,945 at the 10th percentile to $200,398 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varying levels of experience and specialty certifications. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic conditions. For cardiac and vascular specialists, the potential for higher earnings is particularly pronounced, with travel sonography roles often offering a notable premium, thereby adding to the robust compensation landscape in Irvine's job market.
About the Irvine Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $97,945 | $47.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $117,057 | $56.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $141,928 | $68.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,295 | $79.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,398 | $96.35 |
Median Salary Position
40.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Irvine
In Irvine, CA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,453 (2026 est.). At $141,928, the local median is 40.03% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Irvine: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Irvine Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Irvine median: $141,928/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Irvine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,601 | +3.90% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +40.03% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Irvine, CA earn a median of $141,928 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.03% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 3.90% above the California state average of $136,601.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Irvine has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Irvine, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $141,928 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $125,489 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$104,074
2025 BLS Actual
$135,260
2026 Current Est.
$141,928
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Irvine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $104,074 | Actual |
| 2020 | $106,315 | Actual |
| 2021 | $108,863 | Actual |
| 2022 | $113,919 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,288 | Actual |
| 2024 | $145,684 | Actual |
| 2025 | $135,260 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $141,928 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $148,925 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Irvine metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $104,074 (2019) to $135,260 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $148,925 by 2027 — a total increase of $44,851 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Irvine 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) | $97,945 – $117,057 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $117,057 – $141,928 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $141,928 – $165,295 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,295 – $200,398 |
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 Irvine
Currently, there are about 72 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Irvine, showcasing a stable demand for this critical healthcare profession. However, the cost of living index in the region stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries are competitive, take-home purchasing power may be impacted by higher living expenses. Key employers, including hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, are known to offer some of the highest compensation packages. The disparity in salaries can be attributed to factors such as specialty (cardiac sonographers typically earn more than their vascular or OB counterparts), shift differentials, and opportunities in temporary roles through travel agencies. For those looking to maximize their income in this market, pursuing advanced certifications through ARDMS, seeking out shifts in high-demand areas, or considering supervisory positions can be effective strategies to enhance earning potential in the thriving landscape of diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Irvine, CA.
More salary data for Irvine, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Irvine?
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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 $135,260 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Irvine 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 Irvine 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