Sonographer Pay

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.

$65,707
Median Annual Salary
$31.59/hr
Hourly Rate
$53,241
Entry Level (P10)
$83,598
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Rate in Dothan, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Dothan, AL diagnostic medical sonographer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a diagnostic medical sonographer in Dothan earning $31.59/hr would make approximately $37,913 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $65,716 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$37,913Reduced (32 hr/wk)$50,551Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$65,716

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$252.76
per 8hr shift
$1,263.78
per week
$5,476
per month
$65,716
per year

Schedule Comparison in Dothan

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Dothan ($65,707) with Alabama average ($71,421) and the US national median ($101,352).Dothan$65,707Alabama Avg$71,421-8.00%US National$101,352-35.17%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan. Baseline $23.80/hr in 2025, projected to $33.15/hr by 2027.$22$25$28$32$352019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$23.80$26.14$27.32$27.89$27.11$27.77$30.11$31.59$33.15
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$23.80/hrActual
2020$26.14/hrActual
2021$27.32/hrActual
2022$27.89/hrActual
2023$27.11/hrActual
2024$27.77/hrActual
2025$30.11/hrActual
2026(current)$31.59/hrEstimated
2027$33.15/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dothan metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan is $31.59/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $25.60 at entry level (10th percentile) to $40.19 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 35.2% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Dothan?

A part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Dothan earns approximately $3,286/month, or $39,430/year at the median hourly rate of $31.59. Many diagnostic medical sonographers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan paid hourly or salary?

The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan are paid hourly at a median rate of $31.59/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $65,716/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Dothan?

A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Dothan earns approximately $65,716/year at the median hourly rate of $31.59. This is 35.2% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $83,591/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Dothan?

Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Dothan sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $40.19/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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

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