Entry-Level Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Plymouth, MA: $76,727 (2026)
Quick Answer:New diagnostic medical sonographers entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $76,727 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,716 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($110,718) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Plymouth, Massachusetts, starting diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in 2026 are projected to be around $76,727. This figure illustrates the entry-level pay range for new graduates entering the field, which represents a gap of approximately $33,991 from the city’s median annual salary of $110,718. As early-career professionals gain experience, there is a realistic growth path from the entry-level wages up to $90,605 within the first three to five years, making Plymouth an appealing market for new sonography graduates. With a 4.93% annual growth rate expected, recent graduates can anticipate steady increases as they establish their careers in this field.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Plymouth, MA typically start between $76,727 and $90,605 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $71,256 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $110,718 — 9.24% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sonography program cost in Massachusetts of $42,000 represents just 54.74% of the starting diagnostic medical sonographer pay ($76,727/year) in Plymouth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CAAHEP-accredited (JRC-DMS recognized) diagnostic medical sonography program data and state workforce commission reports. Tuition-only averages; actual costs vary by institution type.
DMS Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer pay ranges from $76,727 to $90,605, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the sonography field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Compensation Range
The diagnostic medical sonographer wage spread in Plymouth is $71,256 ( 92.87%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $76,727, experienced hygienists can earn up to $147,983.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$56,895
2025 BLS Actual
$73,122
2026 Current Est.
$76,727
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,995 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,303 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,232 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,658 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,314 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,122 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,727 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $80,510 | Projected |
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $56,895 in 2019 to $73,122 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $80,510. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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.
Starting Your sonography Career in Plymouth
New diagnostic medical sonographers will typically find employment opportunities in Plymouth's hospital imaging departments, which are the largest employers of fresh graduates. These facilities often provide cross-training across various specialties, enabling new hires to expand their skill set quickly. Outpatient chains may recruit more experienced sonographers, often offering sign-on bonuses, while OB-GYN practices usually seek those with more experience or specific certifications. Earning credentials from ARDMS or ARRT(S) in specialties like RDMS can significantly enhance starting pay and career prospects. In the first few years, focusing on acquiring specialized skills, particularly in high-paying areas like cardiac sonography, can substantially impact future earning potential. Moreover, with the ongoing consolidation of outpatient imaging chains like RadNet and SimonMed reshaping the job market, new graduates are encouraged to be adaptable and take advantage of every opportunity to grow their credentials and experience.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do diagnostic medical sonographer salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is sonography school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new diagnostic medical sonographers make right out of school in Plymouth?
How do I become a diagnostic medical sonographer in Massachusetts?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new sonography graduates. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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