Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Key West, FL: $84,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Key West, FL earns a median $84,770/year (≈ $40.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Key West's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $84,097 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For those considering a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Key West, Florida, the financial outlook is promising. In 2026, professionals in this field can expect a median annual salary of $84,770, which is notably lower than the national median of $101,352. The salary range for sonographers in the area spans from $60,036 at the 10th percentile to $106,705 at the 90th percentile. These figures, driven by local estimates from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight a competitive but nuanced local market. The variance in pay, particularly in specialties like cardiac echo, suggests that those with advanced skills may command higher wages, reflecting the ongoing demand for specialized imaging expertise in Key West’s healthcare industry.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,036 | $28.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,311 | $33.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $84,770 | $40.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,535 | $44.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,705 | $51.30 |
Median Salary Position
16.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Key West
In Key West, FL, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,669 (2026 est.). At $84,770, the local median is 16.36% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Key West: You'd be above the median
How Key West Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Key West median: $84,770/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Key West Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $86,061 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -16.36% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Key West, FL earn a median of $84,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.36% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $86,061.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Key West has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Key West, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $84,770 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $84,097 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,161
2025 BLS Actual
$80,787
2026 Current Est.
$84,770
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,161 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,021 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,040 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,497 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,787 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,949 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Key West metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $62,161 (2019) to $80,787 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,949 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,788 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Key West 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) | $60,036 – $70,311 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,311 – $84,770 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $84,770 – $92,535 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,535 – $106,705 |
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 Key West
Despite the favorable earning potential, the local job market for diagnostic medical sonographers is relatively modest, with only four professionals currently employed in Key West. The cost of living index sits slightly above the national average at 100.8, which means that while salaries appear attractive, actual take-home pay may be impacted by local living expenses. Employers in the area include hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers such as RadNet and SimonMed, which typically offer competitive salaries. The spread in earnings is influenced by various factors, including specialty focus—where cardiac sonographers tend to earn the most—and shift differentials for on-call coverage. To maximize income potential, aspiring sonographers should consider pursuing certifications from ARDMS, seek out positions in specialty practices, and stay informed about opportunities in mobile imaging or travel sonography, which may offer higher compensation through premiums and flexible arrangements.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Key West, FL in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Key West?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Key West?
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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 $80,787 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Key West 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 Key West 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