Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Bristol, CT: $106,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Bristol, CT earns a median $106,830/year (≈ $51.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $99,008 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Bristol, CT, is projected to reach a median of $106,830, offering a competitive edge over the national median of $101,352. This attractive compensation is especially relevant for cardiac and vascular specialists, who often benefit from a travel sonography premium that can significantly enhance overall earnings. The pay spectrum ranges from $71,475 at the lower end (P10) to $146,102 at the upper echelon (P90), reflecting the diverse employment landscape in the region. Estimates based on 2025 BLS data indicate that Bristol's market can support various sonography specialties, resulting in a favorable income scenario for those entering or advancing in the field.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($96,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,475 | $34.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,916 | $44.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,830 | $51.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,876 | $58.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $146,102 | $70.24 |
Median Salary Position
5.40% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,627 (2026 est.). At $106,830, the local median is 5.4% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Bristol median: $106,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $107,692 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +5.40% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Bristol, CT earn a median of $106,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.40% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $107,692.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,830 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,008 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,337
2025 BLS Actual
$101,811
2026 Current Est.
$106,830
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,337 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,024 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,942 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,747 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,036 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,811 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $112,097 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $78,337 (2019) to $101,811 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $112,097 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,760 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $71,475 – $91,916 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,916 – $106,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,830 – $120,876 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,876 – $146,102 |
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 Bristol
The local job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Bristol currently employs 13 professionals, signifying a niche but essential workforce. Given the cost-of-living index of 107.9, which is slightly above the national average, take-home pay is crucial for navigating local expenses. Employers such as RadNet and SimonMed, along with hospital imaging departments and specialized practices in cardiology and obstetrics, tend to offer the highest salaries in the area. The range in earnings can be attributed to several factors, including specialty focus, shift differentials, and opportunities for travel assignments. Professionals aspiring to maximize their diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Bristol, CT, should consider obtaining additional certifications from the ARDMS and pursuing opportunities in high-demand specializations, thereby enhancing their marketability and income potential.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $101,811 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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