Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Cedar Rapids, IA: $90,743 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Cedar Rapids, IA earns a median $90,743/year (≈ $43.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Cedar Rapids's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.0), that paycheck buys what $102,001 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is estimated at $90,743 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $101,352. The local salary range extends from $83,168 at the 10th percentile to $111,457 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse pay levels influenced by specialization and experience. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys, illustrates that while sonographers in Cedar Rapids are earning solid wages, there is a clear differentiation in compensation based on the type of sonography practiced. Cardiac echo specialists, for instance, command higher salaries compared to those in general sonography, shaping the potential earnings landscape for professionals in this field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,168 | $39.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,570 | $41.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,743 | $43.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,710 | $50.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,457 | $53.59 |
Median Salary Position
10.47% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, IA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,289 (2026 est.). At $90,743, the local median is 10.47% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Cedar Rapids: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cedar Rapids Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Cedar Rapids median: $90,743/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Rapids Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,919 | +4.40% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -10.47% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Cedar Rapids, IA earn a median of $90,743 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.47% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.40% above the Iowa state average of $86,919.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Rapids has a cost of living 11.04% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cedar Rapids, IA has a cost-of-living index of 88.963 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $90,743 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,001 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,520
2025 BLS Actual
$86,480
2026 Current Est.
$90,743
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Cedar Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,700 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,520 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,480 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,740 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,480 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,743 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,217 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 20.9% from $71,520 (2019) to $86,480 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,217 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,697 (33.13%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Rapids 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) | $83,168 – $85,570 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,570 – $90,743 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,743 – $104,710 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,710 – $111,457 |
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 Cedar Rapids
In Cedar Rapids, around 70 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed, highlighting a focused yet stable job market. The cost of living index stands at 88.963, indicating a below-average cost of living, which enables better purchasing power for those in the profession. Within the local industry, employers such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient facilities like RadNet and SimonMed, and specialty practices (OB-GYN, cardiology, and vascular surgery) tend to offer the most competitive salaries. Factors contributing to the widening pay gap include the specialization of sonography—cardiac positions often pay the best, followed by vascular, OB, and abdominal roles—along with shift differentials, travel premiums, and supervisory roles. To maximize earning potential in Cedar Rapids, aspiring sonographers might consider gaining specialization credentials like RDCS or RVT, explore opportunities in high-paying sectors, and remain flexible around shifts that offer additional pay incentives.
More salary data for Cedar Rapids, 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 $86,480 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Cedar Rapids 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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