Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Chesapeake, VA: $91,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Chesapeake, VA earns a median $91,253/year (≈ $43.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Chesapeake's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $88,423 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Chesapeake, VA, is set to reach a median of $91,253, reflecting a competitive market compared to the national figure of $101,352. Salary ranges for this occupation are predicted to span from $58,402 at the lower end (P10) to $131,392 for those in higher brackets (P90). This data, derived from 2025 BLS estimates and adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors, showcases a local pay structure influenced by the choice between employment in hospital imaging departments and outpatient chains. As healthcare facilities evolve, sonographers in Chesapeake can expect diverse compensation based on their workplace environment, affecting demand and salary potential in this vibrant city.
About the Chesapeake Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,402 | $28.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,818 | $36.94 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,253 | $43.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,008 | $50.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,392 | $63.17 |
Median Salary Position
9.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesapeake
In Chesapeake, VA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,990 (2026 est.). At $91,253, the local median is 9.96% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesapeake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesapeake Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Chesapeake median: $91,253/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesapeake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $91,989 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -9.96% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $91,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.96% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $91,989.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesapeake has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesapeake, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $91,253 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,423 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,915
2025 BLS Actual
$86,966
2026 Current Est.
$91,253
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,915 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,356 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,994 | Actual |
| 2022 | $73,244 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,054 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,501 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,966 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,752 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesapeake metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $66,915 (2019) to $86,966 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,752 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,837 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesapeake 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) | $58,402 – $76,818 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,818 – $91,253 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,253 – $106,008 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,008 – $131,392 |
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 Chesapeake
The local job market in Chesapeake encompasses 63 diagnostic medical sonographers, highlighting a demand for ultrasound professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the expenses one incurs can diminish overall purchasing power, impacting take-home salaries. Outpatient imaging centers, such as RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer competitive pay but often differ from hospital departments, resulting in variations based on specialty. Cardiac sonographers generally command the highest salaries, followed by vascular and OB-GYN specialists. The gap between lower and upper salary ranges often stems from factors like shift differentials, call coverage, and specialized credentials, such as RDCS or RVT. To maximize pay, professionals in Chesapeake should consider furthering their education and certifications, pursuing roles in high-demand specialties, and exploring travel sonography positions that may offer greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Chesapeake, VA in 2026?
Is Chesapeake, VA a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Chesapeake?
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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 $86,966 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake 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