Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Bristol, VA: $80,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Bristol, VA earns a median $80,980/year (≈ $38.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $78,469 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Bristol, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $80,980, which reflects a significant variance compared to the national median of $101,352. The local salary range spans from $60,527 at the 10th percentile to $102,460 at the 90th percentile, indicating that specialized skills can lead to higher earnings, particularly for cardiac or vascular specialists. These figures are derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, illustrating the balance of local demand and salary expectations in Bristol's healthcare environment. For those looking to enter the field or advance their careers, understanding the local landscape is critical for effective career planning.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,527 | $29.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $68,953 | $33.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,980 | $38.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,818 | $42.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,460 | $49.26 |
Median Salary Position
20.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, VA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,933 (2026 est.). At $80,980, the local median is 20.1% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Bristol median: $80,980/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,022 | -12.00% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -20.10% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Bristol, VA earn a median of $80,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.10% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 12.00% below the Virginia state average of $92,022.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $80,980 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,469 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,381
2025 BLS Actual
$77,175
2026 Current Est.
$80,980
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,381 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,114 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,998 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,491 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,376 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,175 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,972 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $59,381 (2019) to $77,175 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,972 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,591 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $60,527 – $68,953 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $68,953 – $80,980 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,980 – $87,818 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,818 – $102,460 |
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 Bristol
Bristol's job market currently employs six diagnostic medical sonographers, indicating a modest but potentially stable demand. The area's cost of living index stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which influences disposable income and overall purchasing power for residents. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed typically offer competitive pay, especially for specialties like cardiac and vascular sonography. The notable disparity between lower and higher wages can be attributed to factors including specialization, shift differentials, and opportunities for travel sonography, which often comes with a premium. Aspiring sonographers in Bristol should consider targeting training and credentials in high-demand areas, such as cardiac echo or vascular sonography, and explore flexible work arrangements including travel positions to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Bristol, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Bristol, VA in 2026?
Is Bristol, VA a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Bristol?
How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make per hour in Bristol?
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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 $77,175 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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