Entry-Level Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Edmonds, WA: $75,211 (2026)
Quick Answer:New diagnostic medical sonographers entering the Edmonds, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,211 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edmonds's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $70,029 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($109,650) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Prospective entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Edmonds, Washington, can anticipate a starting pay of approximately $75,211 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the overall city median salary of $109,650. However, this gap presents an opportunity for growth, as new graduates can expect to earn progressively higher wages as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years of their careers, they can expect to move toward a more competitive salary, progressing towards the 25th percentile salary of $95,480. The projected annual growth rate in the field of 4.93% indicates a promising job market for newcomers, making Edmonds a viable option for graduates entering the diagnostic medical sonography profession.
About the Edmonds Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edmonds
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 Edmonds
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Edmonds, WA typically start between $75,211 and $95,480 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,028 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $109,650 — 8.19% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sonography program cost in Washington of $32,000 represents just 42.55% of the starting diagnostic medical sonographer pay ($75,211/year) in Edmonds. 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 Edmonds
- 1Research the Edmonds market: entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer pay ranges from $75,211 to $95,480, 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 Edmonds, 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 Edmonds for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edmonds'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 Edmonds is $70,028 ( 93.11%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,211, experienced hygienists can earn up to $145,239.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$55,771
2025 BLS Actual
$71,677
2026 Current Est.
$75,211
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Edmonds (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,849 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,924 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,302 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,744 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,677 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,211 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,919 | Projected |
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer compensation (10th percentile) in Edmonds, WA grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $55,771 in 2019 to $71,677 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,919. New graduates entering the Edmonds job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edmonds 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 Edmonds
In terms of employment opportunities in Edmonds, hospitals are often the primary employers for new graduates, frequently hiring diagnostic medical sonographers with diverse skill sets, including cross-training across specialties. Local imaging departments typically seek out fresh talent, while private practices like OB-GYN clinics may prefer experienced professionals. To enhance their starting pay, new sonographers should consider obtaining credentials from organizations like ARDMS or ARRT(S), specializing in areas such as RDMS, RDCS, or RVT. These certifications, along with completing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree from a CAAHEP-accredited program, are essential for building a solid foundation in this field. Furthermore, as new sonographers navigate their career paths, focusing on high-demand specialty areas, such as cardiac, vascular, and OB-GYN sonography, can lead to faster salary increases, positioning themselves favorably in the evolving healthcare market.
More salary data for Edmonds, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is sonography school worth it in Edmonds?
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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 Edmonds. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edmonds 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