Entry-Level Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Camas, WA: $78,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:New diagnostic medical sonographers entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $78,200 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $72,812 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($107,298) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Camas, WA, reflects a starting range that is fairly competitive. New graduates can anticipate salaries beginning at around $78,200, which may feel modest compared to the city median of $107,298; however, there is substantial room for growth. Within the initial years, those earning at the lower end can realistically expect to see an upward trajectory that could see their pay reach approximately $90,629 by the end of year three—essentially closing the gap toward the median as experience accumulates. Given the projected 4.93% annual growth rate for this occupation, Camas presents a promising market for newcomers, especially as demand for skilled sonographers continues to rise in the region.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
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 Camas
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Camas, WA typically start between $78,200 and $90,629 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,257 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $107,298 — 5.87% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sonography program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 40.92% of the starting diagnostic medical sonographer pay ($78,200/year) in Camas. 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 Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer pay ranges from $78,200 to $90,629, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, 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 Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas'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 Camas is $63,257 ( 80.89%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $78,200, experienced hygienists can earn up to $141,457.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$57,988
2025 BLS Actual
$74,526
2026 Current Est.
$78,200
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,988 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,109 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,537 | Actual |
| 2022 | $67,504 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,977 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,526 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $82,055 | Projected |
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $57,988 in 2019 to $74,526 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $82,055. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas 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 Camas
Prospects for new diagnostic medical sonographers in Camas can be influenced significantly by where they seek employment. Hospital imaging departments that handle diverse cases often welcome new grads, as cross-training in various specialties provides an essential skill set. Conversely, outpatient facilities that offer competitive sign-on bonuses tend to look for more experienced professionals, while OB-GYN private practices generally prefer candidates who have already attained at least some credentials, such as those offered through ARDMS. New graduates who hold an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program and pursue relevant certifications are better positioned for higher starting pay. Focus on developing expertise in high-demand areas such as cardiac echo can lead to more lucrative opportunities, particularly as specialized roles emerge in response to healthcare advancements. Strategies including seeking internships or mentorships within hospital settings can greatly enhance initial job prospects, setting the stage for steady salary growth beyond the entry-level phase.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Camas in 2026?
How fast do diagnostic medical sonographer salaries grow in Camas?
Is sonography school worth it in Camas?
What do new diagnostic medical sonographers make right out of school in Camas?
How do I become a diagnostic medical sonographer in Washington?
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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 Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas 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