Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Burlington, IA: $83,494 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Burlington, IA earns a median $83,494/year (≈ $40.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $92,361 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer in 2026 is $83,494, which reflects a significant gap of approximately 17.62% compared to the national median of $101,352. Salary figures range from $61,827 at the 10th percentile to $105,603 at the 90th percentile, indicating opportunities for variation based on experience and specialization. Local estimates from BLS state-level data show that while sonographers here may earn less than the national average, the strong demand for skilled professionals persists. This is particularly noticeable among cardiac echo specialists, who typically command the highest pay within the field, presenting a compelling case for those looking to advance their careers in this niche area of sonography.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,827 | $29.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,937 | $34.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,494 | $40.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,272 | $43.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,603 | $50.78 |
Median Salary Position
17.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, IA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,776 (2026 est.). At $83,494, the local median is 17.62% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be above the median
How Burlington Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Burlington median: $83,494/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,973 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -17.62% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Burlington, IA earn a median of $83,494 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.62% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $86,973.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $83,494 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,361 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,225
2025 BLS Actual
$79,571
2026 Current Est.
$83,494
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,225 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,543 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,042 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,016 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,587 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,969 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,571 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,494 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87,610 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $61,225 (2019) to $79,571 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $87,610 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,385 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $61,827 – $70,937 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,937 – $83,494 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,494 – $90,272 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,272 – $105,603 |
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 Burlington
With only four diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Burlington, the job market is relatively small, yet it remains stable against a backdrop of a cost-of-living index of 90.4, which is below the national average. This lower cost of living can enhance practical purchasing power, making the salary more impactful for residents. Employers such as local hospital imaging departments, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and specialty practices in cardiology and vascular surgery typically offer competitive wages. Factors that contribute to the salary spread include specialties, with cardiac roles often yielding higher earnings, along with shift differentials and opportunities for travel sonography, which can include premium pay. Aspiring sonographers in Burlington can maximize their earnings by seeking positions that leverage specialized skills and considering additional certifications like RDCS or RVT to command higher rates in the market.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
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 $79,571 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Burlington 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 Burlington 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