Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Columbus, MS: $81,676 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Columbus, MS earns a median $81,676/year (≈ $39.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Columbus's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $95,305 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Columbus, Mississippi, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2026 is $81,676, significantly below the national median of $101,352 for the same year. This local salary range spans from $57,900 at the 10th percentile to $99,865 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization within the field. Compensation in Columbus is influenced by local market conditions and cost-of-living adjustments; the area’s lower living costs are indicated by a cost of living index of 85.7. The demand for skilled sonographers, particularly in specialties like cardiac and vascular, adds competition for top roles, which can also contribute to upward salary pressures in the region.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,900 | $27.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $72,311 | $34.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $81,676 | $39.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,422 | $41.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,865 | $48.02 |
Median Salary Position
19.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Columbus
In Columbus, MS, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,965 (2026 est.). At $81,676, the local median is 19.41% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Columbus: You'd be above the median
How Columbus Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Columbus median: $81,676/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Columbus Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $86,890 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -19.41% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Columbus, MS earn a median of $81,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $86,890.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Columbus has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Columbus, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $81,676 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,305 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,892
2025 BLS Actual
$77,839
2026 Current Est.
$81,676
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,892 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,182 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,648 | Actual |
| 2022 | $65,558 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,072 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,964 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81,676 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,703 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Columbus metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $59,892 (2019) to $77,839 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,703 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,811 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbus 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) | $57,900 – $72,311 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $72,311 – $81,676 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $81,676 – $86,422 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,422 – $99,865 |
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 Columbus
As for the job market in Columbus, only six diagnostic medical sonographers are currently employed, providing a limited pool of professionals in the area. The cost of living is relatively low, which can enhance purchasing power, making the local salaries more appealing in the context of overall expenses. Among employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the highest pay, followed closely by outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, while practices specializing in cardiology and vascular surgery also contribute to competitive wages. The disparity between lower and higher salaries stems from various factors, including specialty focus—where cardiac sonographers earn the most—and additional incentives such as shift differentials and travel sonography premiums. For those in the Columbus market seeking to maximize their pay, pursuing specialized credentials through ARDMS, such as RDCS or RVT, may offer an edge in securing higher-paying positions while also aligning with the increasing demand for specialized imaging services.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Columbus?
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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 $77,839 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Columbus 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 Columbus 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