Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $93,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Grand Forks, ND earns a median $93,770/year (≈ $45.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Grand Forks's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $101,924 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Grand Forks, North Dakota, can expect a median annual salary of $93,770, reflecting local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. The salary range extends from $64,418 at the 10th percentile to $121,684 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the diverse compensation landscape based on experience and specialty. Notably, the pay gradient for cardiac echo sonographers often places them at the higher end of this scale compared to their peers specializing in general sonography. While the national median salary for this occupation is $101,352, Grand Forks's figures indicate a local compensation that trails behind, which may shape the job market dynamics for sonographers in the area.
About the Grand Forks Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,418 | $30.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,601 | $36.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,770 | $45.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,929 | $49.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,684 | $58.50 |
Median Salary Position
7.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, ND, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,266 (2026 est.). At $93,770, the local median is 7.48% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Grand Forks: You'd be above the median
How Grand Forks Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Grand Forks median: $93,770/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Forks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $93,210 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -7.48% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $93,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.60% above the North Dakota state average of $93,210.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Forks has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Forks, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $93,770 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,924 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,760
2025 BLS Actual
$89,364
2026 Current Est.
$93,770
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,760 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $78,151 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,364 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,392 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Forks metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $68,760 (2019) to $89,364 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,392 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,632 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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) | $64,418 – $76,601 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,601 – $93,770 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,770 – $103,929 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,929 – $121,684 |
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 Grand Forks
The employment outlook in Grand Forks shows a modest count of 14 diagnostic medical sonographers working in the region, contributing to a competitive landscape that may influence individual earning potential. With a cost of living index at 92, professionals in this field enjoy relative affordability compared to national averages, allowing for greater purchasing power despite slightly lower salaries. Major employers such as local hospitals and specialized practices in cardiology, OB-GYN, and vascular surgery determine compensation, with cardiac sonographers typically commanding the highest rates. Additionally, factors such as shift differentials, travel sonography premiums, and specialized credentials (like RDCS or RVT) can significantly affect earnings. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Grand Forks, pursuing specialized training and considering roles in high-demand areas or overtime opportunities will enhance their earning potential and career satisfaction.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
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 $89,364 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Grand Forks 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 Grand Forks 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