Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Wilmington, DE: $101,001 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Wilmington, DE earns a median $101,001/year (≈ $48.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Wilmington's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $99,313 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% above the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilmington, Delaware, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect a competitive median annual salary of $101,001 in 2026, closely aligning with the national figure of $101,352. Salaries in the area vary significantly, with entry-level professionals earning around $70,006 and top earners making approximately $131,069. These estimates take into account local cost adjustments based on data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), reflecting Wilmington’s unique job market for healthcare professionals. The presence of a travel sonography premium is noteworthy here, particularly for those specializing in cardiac and vascular sonography, making Wilmington an attractive city for those in the sector.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,006 | $33.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,664 | $39.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,001 | $48.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,044 | $52.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,069 | $63.01 |
Median Salary Position
0.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wilmington
In Wilmington, DE, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,063 (2026 est.). At $101,001, the local median is 0.35% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Wilmington: You'd be above the median
How Wilmington Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Wilmington median: $101,001/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wilmington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $99,313 | +1.70% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -0.35% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Wilmington, DE earn a median of $101,001 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.35% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.70% above the Delaware state average of $99,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wilmington has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wilmington, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $101,001 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $99,313 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,063
2025 BLS Actual
$96,256
2026 Current Est.
$101,001
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,063 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,657 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,471 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,069 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,178 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,256 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,001 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,981 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wilmington metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $74,063 (2019) to $96,256 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $31,918 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wilmington 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) | $70,006 – $82,664 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,664 – $101,001 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,001 – $110,044 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,044 – $131,069 |
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 Wilmington
With only 10 diagnostic medical sonographers currently employed in Wilmington, the local job market reveals both opportunities and challenges. The cost of living index stands slightly above the national average at 101.7, suggesting that salary levels provide modest purchasing power relative to expenses. Leading employers such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and specialty practices in cardiology and vascular surgery tend to offer the highest salaries. The pay spread within the field can be attributed to factors such as specialization—cardiac sonographers generally earn more than their vascular or OB counterparts—shift differentials, and the potential for higher earnings in travel assignments. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Wilmington, pursuing specialty credentials such as RDCS or RVT, seeking opportunities in high-paying sectors, and considering travel assignments may enhance overall compensation.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
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 $96,256 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Wilmington 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 Wilmington 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