Sonographer Pay

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Livermore, CA: $134,630 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Livermore, CA earns a median $134,630/year (≈ $64.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Livermore's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $119,036 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.

$134,630
Median Annual Salary
$64.73/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$94,918
Entry Level (P10)
$182,658
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Livermore, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Livermore, CA diagnostic medical sonographer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Livermore, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,630, reflecting the high demand for qualified professionals in the field. The salary range for these specialists spans from $94,918 at the 10th percentile to $182,658 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a significant variance based on experience and specialty. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data, which have been adjusted for local economic conditions, allowing for better insights into how salaries in Livermore compare to the national median of $101,352. Given the local cost of living, which is above the national average, the competitive pay helps to attract talent necessary for meeting the healthcare needs in the area. The job market indicates a solid demand for skilled sonographers, creating opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned professionals.

About the Livermore Market

Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$94,918$45.63
Lower Range (P25)$111,802$53.76
Median (P50)(typical)$134,630$64.73
Upper Range (P75)$151,039$72.61
Top Earners (P90)$182,658$87.82

Median Salary Position

$94,918$182,658
City Median: $134,630
National: $101,352
P10–P90 Range

32.83% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Livermore

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for diagnostic medical sonographers in Livermore. The median salary is $134,630, compared to the national median of $101,352.$85.4K$112.0K$138.6K$165.2K$191.8K$94.9K10th Pctl$111.8K25th Pctl$134.6KMedian$151.0K75th Pctl$182.7K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

In Livermore, CA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $87,740 (2026 est.). At $134,630, the local median is 32.83% above the national median of $101,352.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of diagnostic medical sonographer pay in the Livermore metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$2,589
per week
$11,220
per month
$134,641
per year

At 40 hours/week in Livermore: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Livermore Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares

Livermore median: $134,630/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryLivermore Pays
California Average$136,681-1.50% less
National Average$101,352+32.83% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Livermore ($134,630) with California average ($136,681) and the US national median ($101,352).Livermore$134,630California Avg$136,681-1.50%US National$101,352+32.83%

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Livermore, CA earn a median of $134,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.83% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.50% below the California state average of $136,681.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$134,630
Nominal Salary
113.1
CoL Index
$119,036
Adjusted Salary

Livermore has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $134,630. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing-power equivalent is $119,036, a loss of $15,594.$86.1K$103.3K$120.5K$137.7K$154.8K$134,630NominalSalary$119,036CoL Adjusted(CoL: 113.1) -11.58%US Median $101.4K

Livermore, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,630 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,036 — a 11.58% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$98,723

2025 BLS Actual

$128,305

2026 Current Est.

$134,630

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Livermore (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Livermore. Baseline $98,723 in 2025, projected to $141,268 by 2027.$90.2K$105.1K$120.0K$134.9K$149.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$98.7K$100.8K$103.3K$108.1K$112.2K$138.2K$128.3K$134.6K$141.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$98,723Actual
2020$100,848Actual
2021$103,266Actual
2022$108,061Actual
2023$112,205Actual
2024$138,192Actual
2025$128,305Actual
2026(current)$134,630Estimated
2027$141,268Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Livermore metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $98,723 (2019) to $128,305 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,545 (43.10%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Livermore metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$94,918$111,802
3-5 years (Mid Career)$111,802$134,630
5+ years (Experienced)$134,630$151,039
10+ years (Top Earner)$151,039$182,658

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 Livermore

The job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Livermore presents a promising outlook with 21 professionals currently employed in the area. However, it's essential to consider the cost of living index of 113.1, which indicates that while salaries are relatively high, everyday expenses can impact overall purchasing power. Facilities employing sonographers, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed, typically offer the best remuneration for specialists, particularly in cardiac and vascular sonography. Variations in pay can often result from specialty focus, as cardiac echo roles generally command higher wages than their OB-GYN or abdominal counterparts. Factors like shift differentials for evening and weekend work, as well as potential income from travel sonography contracts, can further enhance earnings. New sonographers entering the field may maximize their pay by pursuing advanced certifications such as RDCS or RVT, thus broadening their specialized skill set and appeal to diverse employers throughout Livermore.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Livermore, CA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Livermore is $134,630/year ($64.73/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Salaries range from $94,918 at entry level (10th percentile) to $182,658 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Livermore at 32.8% above the national median. Full-time diagnostic medical sonographers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Livermore, CA a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Livermore diagnostic medical sonographer salaries are 32.8% above the national average and 1.5% below the California state average. The metro area employs approximately 21 diagnostic medical sonographers. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Livermore?

Yes — the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Livermore is already $134,630, meaning more than half of diagnostic medical sonographers here earn six figures. Top earners (90th percentile) make $182,658/year. Factors that push pay above $100K include years of experience, specialty certifications, and working at high-production practices or large organizations.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Livermore?

After adjusting for Livermore's cost-of-living index of 113.1 (where 100 equals the national average), the $134,630 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $119,036 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Livermore reduce the effective value of your salary by 11.6% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make per hour in Livermore?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Livermore earn a median hourly rate of $64.73, which translates to approximately $134,630/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $45.63 for entry-level positions to $87.82 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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 $128,305 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Livermore 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 Livermore is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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