Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Liberal, KS: $85,925 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Liberal, KS earns a median $85,925/year (≈ $41.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Liberal's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $94,527 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.7% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Liberal, Kansas, is $85,925, highlighting a significant income potential within this profession. The local salary range extends from $66,657 at the 10th percentile to $112,025 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse pay scale influenced by factors such as specialization and experience. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for regional cost variances. Notably, cardiac echo sonographers generally command the highest salaries, reflecting the advanced technical skills and expertise required in this specialty, critical in today’s healthcare environment. The job market in Liberal showcases opportunities for qualified sonographers, particularly those with credentials from organizations like the ARDMS, which can enhance earning potential.
About the Liberal Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,657 | $32.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,205 | $36.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,925 | $41.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,974 | $43.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,025 | $53.86 |
Median Salary Position
15.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Liberal
In Liberal, KS, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,368 (2026 est.). At $85,925, the local median is 15.22% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Liberal: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Liberal Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Liberal median: $85,925/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Liberal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $92,095 | -6.70% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -15.22% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Liberal, KS earn a median of $85,925 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.22% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.70% below the Kansas state average of $92,095.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Liberal has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Liberal, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $85,925 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,527 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,008
2025 BLS Actual
$81,888
2026 Current Est.
$85,925
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Liberal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,008 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,364 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,907 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,613 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,888 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,925 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,161 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Liberal metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $63,008 (2019) to $81,888 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,161 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,153 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Liberal 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) | $66,657 – $75,205 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,205 – $85,925 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,925 – $89,974 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,974 – $112,025 |
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 Liberal
In Liberal, the job market for diagnostic medical sonographers is relatively small, with only four professionals currently employed in this area. The cost-of-living index of 90.9 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power for residents can be somewhat favorable compared to the national average. Healthcare facilities, such as hospital imaging departments and local outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the highest compensation. Factors contributing to the pay gradient include the specialization of service—experienced vascular and OB-GYN sonographers often see salaries vary with cardiac-focused positions being at the top. Shift differentials and call coverage can further enhance earnings. For those seeking to maximize their pay in this market, pursuing additional certifications and specializing in high-demand areas like cardiac echo can be advantageous, positioning them competitively within Liberal’s healthcare framework.
More salary data for Liberal, KS:
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 $81,888 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Liberal 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 Liberal 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