Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $51.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Fairbanks, AK runs $51.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.1, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,997 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Fairbanks, Alaska, can expect a median hourly pay of $51.28, which exceeds the national hourly median of $48.73. This rate offers substantial earning potential for part-time professionals working three days a week, allowing them to maintain a favorable work-life balance while still earning competitive wages. Per-diem opportunities also present a lucrative option, with facilities like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans often providing flexibility in scheduling. The hourly rate in Fairbanks varies widely, ranging from approximately $37.10 for entry-level positions up to $67.03 for the most experienced sonographers, reflecting the diverse job market and specialization opportunities available, including roles in cardiology and vascular labs.
About the Fairbanks Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($98,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.10 | $296.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.95 | $343.58 |
| Median (P50) | $51.28 | $410.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.38 | $451.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.03 | $536.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $51.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.28/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $106,661 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,535. With a cost-of-living index of 106.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,051.17 | $8,888 | $106,661 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,230.70 | $5,333 | $63,997 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $820.47 | $3,555 | $42,664 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Fairbanks) | $51.28 |
| 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 Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $106,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% below the Alaska state average of $107,517.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.28/hr = $63,997/year (purchasing power: $60,317).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,661/year (purchasing power: $100,529).
CoL index: 106.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Fairbanks grew 30.0% from $37.60/hr (2019) to $48.87/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.81/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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers working a typical 24-hour week stand to take home a respectable annual income, although it usually falls short of the earnings for full-time workers. For those seeking per diem positions, the pay can significantly rise, with standard billing rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour. Specialized areas, such as cardiac echocardiography, may yield rates as high as $95 per hour. Moreover, travel sonography contracts frequently offer weekly pay between $2,000 and $3,200, especially for cardiac and vascular specialties. The hourly pay may vary based on employer type—hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet, and mobile imaging services each have differing pay scales. Some sonographers may choose lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance, while others opt for higher hourly wages without benefits. It is advisable for hourly workers to negotiate based on their experience, certification level, and specialized skills to maximize their earning potential in Fairbanks.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Fairbanks in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Fairbanks?
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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 Fairbanks. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fairbanks 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