Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Long Beach, CA: $125,734 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Long Beach, CA earns a median $125,734/year (≈ $60.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Long Beach's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $111,171 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Long Beach, California, the projected 2026 median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $125,734, which significantly outpaces the national median of $101,352 by 24.06%. Local salaries vary widely, with a range from $80,363 at the lowest decile to $180,892 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data alongside regional price adjustments, reflect the strong demand for skilled sonographers in the area. With specialized knowledge, particularly in cardiac and vascular sonography, professionals can command higher wages, benefiting from the travel sonography premium. The thriving healthcare landscape in Long Beach contributes to competitive compensation, ensuring that those in the field are well-rewarded for their expertise.
About the Long Beach Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,363 | $38.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $105,762 | $50.85 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $125,734 | $60.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,978 | $70.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $180,892 | $86.97 |
Median Salary Position
24.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Long Beach
In Long Beach, CA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $100,529 (2026 est.). At $125,734, the local median is 24.06% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Long Beach: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Long Beach Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Long Beach median: $125,734/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Long Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,668 | -8.00% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +24.06% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Long Beach, CA earn a median of $125,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.06% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 8.00% below the California state average of $136,668.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Long Beach has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Long Beach, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $125,734 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $111,171 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$92,199
2025 BLS Actual
$119,827
2026 Current Est.
$125,734
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,199 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,184 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $104,791 | Actual |
| 2024 | $147,745 | Actual |
| 2025 | $119,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,734 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $131,933 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Long Beach metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $92,199 (2019) to $119,827 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $131,933 by 2027 — a total increase of $39,734 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Long Beach 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) | $80,363 – $105,762 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $105,762 – $125,734 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $125,734 – $145,978 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,978 – $180,892 |
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 Long Beach
Employment statistics show that 89 diagnostic medical sonographers currently work in Long Beach, CA, underscoring the solid job market for this profession. However, the local cost of living, indexed at 113.1, means that salary expectations must consider purchasing power; thus, careful financial planning is essential. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers—including prominent chains like RadNet and SimonMed—typically offer the highest salaries. Factors contributing to the discrepancy in pay include specialties, with cardiac sonographers earning the top tier, followed by vascular and OB-GYN practitioners. Shift differentials and the occasional travel sonography assignments can also enhance earnings. To maximize potential earnings in this competitive market, sonographers should consider obtaining advanced credentials from organizations like ARDMS and SDMS, focus on high-demand specialties, and be open to opportunities in mobile imaging or lead positions.
More salary data for Long Beach, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Long Beach, CA in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Long Beach?
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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 $119,827 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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