Entry-Level Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Cody, WY: $61,403 (2026)
Quick Answer:New diagnostic medical sonographers entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $61,403 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2032, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,095 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($82,211) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For individuals embarking on a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Cody, Wyoming, the starting salary is a key consideration. New graduates can expect an entry-level pay around $61,403, a figure that resonates differently when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $82,211. This indicates a notable gap, offering entry-level professionals the opportunity to grow significantly in their early years. Over a span of 3-5 years, aspiring sonographers may progress from this initial pay to $69,968 at the 25th percentile, working their way toward the median. With a projected growth rate of 4.93% annually, Cody serves as a promising market for emerging sonographers eager to make their mark in the healthcare field.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers in Cody, WY typically start between $61,403 and $69,968 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,745 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $82,211 — 18.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average sonography program cost in Wyoming of $22,000 represents just 35.83% of the starting diagnostic medical sonographer pay ($61,403/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer pay ranges from $61,403 to $69,968, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $39,745 ( 64.73%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $61,403, experienced hygienists can earn up to $101,148.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,532
2025 BLS Actual
$58,518
2026 Current Est.
$61,403
2019–2027 Growth
+41.5%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Cody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,532 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,004 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,946 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,389 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,518 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,403 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,430 | Projected |
Entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 28.5% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,532 in 2019 to $58,518 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,430. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
In terms of career opportunities within Cody, local healthcare institutions are prominent employers for new diagnostics graduates. Hospitals often seek fresh talent for their imaging departments, providing cross-training across various specialties. However, outpatient facilities typically prefer experienced sonographers, with attractive sign-on bonuses available for those who meet their criteria. To maximize starting pay, pursuing credentials from a CAAHEP-accredited program, coupled with ARDMS or ARRT(S) certifications, can enhance employability. For new sonographers, focusing on in-demand specialties, such as cardiac echo or vascular sonography, can lead to higher compensation. Given the competitive nature of the field, strategic career planning during the first few years is crucial, along with a commitment to continuous education and professional growth within Wyoming’s evolving healthcare setting.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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