Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Dothan, AL: $31.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Dothan, AL runs $31.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,707 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Dothan's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.8, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,430 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Dothan, Alabama, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median of $31.59. This figure falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $48.73, reflecting the cost of living and local market dynamics. For those considering part-time or per-diem work in various settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans, this hourly rate translates to approximately $1,265 per week for a standard three-day work schedule. Entry-level sonographers can expect to earn around $25.60 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach up to $40.19 per hour, illustrating a diverse earning range within the field based on experience and specialization.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.60 | $204.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.03 | $232.27 |
| Median (P50) | $31.59 | $252.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.75 | $293.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.19 | $321.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dothan
Based on $31.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.59/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dothan, AL can expect to earn approximately $65,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,913. With a cost-of-living index of 83.83 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dothan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dothan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,263.78 | $5,476 | $65,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $758.27 | $3,286 | $39,430 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $505.51 | $2,191 | $26,287 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Dothan) | $31.59 |
| Radiologic Technologist (National Avg) | $35.27 |
| MRI Technologist (National Avg) | $40.93 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist (National Avg) | $46.68 |
| Cardiovascular Technologist (National Avg) | $33.92 |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dothan, AL earn a median of $65,707 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.17% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 8.00% below the Alabama state average of $71,421.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.59/hr = $39,430/year (purchasing power: $47,034).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,716/year (purchasing power: $78,390).
CoL index: 83.833 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dothan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan grew 26.5% from $23.80/hr (2019) to $30.11/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.15/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dothan 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.
Working as an Hourly Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in Dothan
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan might find appealing opportunities to balance work and personal commitments while still making a reasonable income. A typical three-day workweek could yield an annual income of around $49,000, considerably less than what full-time professionals can attain. Interestingly, per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Dothan often exceeds the local hourly averages, with rates between $55 and $80 per hour and even higher for specialized roles like cardiac echo, which can reach $70-$95 per hour. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential, with salaries between $2,000 and $3,200 per week available for those in cardiac and vascular specialties. However, many sonographers must weigh the trade-offs associated with higher hourly rates that may not include health benefits. For those in permanent staff positions, negotiating for higher hourly rates while considering benefits packages is essential, as many facilities may offer less on an hourly basis in exchange for comprehensive health coverage. Understanding how various employers, including hospitals and outpatient imaging chains, structure hourly wages can lead to more informed career decisions for aspiring diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan.
More salary data for Dothan, AL:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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