Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Clinton, IA: $81,598 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Clinton, IA earns a median $81,598/year (≈ $39.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Clinton's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $90,263 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $81,598 in 2026, reflecting both local demand and specific specialized skills in the field. This figure sits below the national median of $101,352, indicating a differential driven in part by the area's cost of living. The salary range for sonographers in Clinton spans from $61,967 at the 10th percentile to $104,518 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions, highlight the potential for those engaged in specialty practices, such as cardiac and vascular sonography, to command higher pay, especially compared to more general roles. Overall, Clinton’s job market fosters competition within its limited pool of sonographers, suggesting that those with advanced credentials are more likely to achieve advantageous positions and salaries.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,967 | $29.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,190 | $33.75 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,598 | $39.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,035 | $42.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,518 | $50.25 |
Median Salary Position
19.49% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
In Clinton, IA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,551 (2026 est.). At $81,598, the local median is 19.49% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clinton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clinton Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Clinton median: $81,598/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clinton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,991 | -6.20% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -19.49% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Clinton, IA earn a median of $81,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.49% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $86,991.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clinton 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.
Clinton, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $81,598 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,263 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,835
2025 BLS Actual
$77,764
2026 Current Est.
$81,598
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,835 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,123 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,588 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,494 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,006 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,764 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,598 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,621 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clinton metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $59,835 (2019) to $77,764 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,621 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,786 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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) | $61,967 – $70,190 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,190 – $81,598 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,598 – $89,035 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,035 – $104,518 |
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 Clinton
The local employment scene showcases a modest number of diagnostic medical sonographers, with only six professionals recorded in the area. However, the cost-of-living index of 90.4 offers a unique advantage, translating potential earnings into relatively strong purchasing power compared to many parts of the nation. Employers in Clinton, including hospital imaging departments, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty practices, play a significant role in salary variability. The salary spread is influenced by several factors—those specializing in cardiac sonography typically earn the highest, while vascular and OB-GYN positions follow suit. Factors such as shift differentials and mobile imaging opportunities can further enhance pay. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this market, pursuing specialized credentials like RDCS or RVT, along with securing positions in high-paying facilities or exploring travel sonography roles, are strategic paths to consider.
More salary data for Clinton, 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 $77,764 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Clinton 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 Clinton 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