Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $41.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Benton, AR runs $41.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,766 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, AR, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay averages $41.48, which falls below the national median of $48.73. This difference reflects the local economic landscape, making it imperative for those in the field, including part-time and per-diem workers, to understand their earning potential in various clinical settings. For instance, a part-time sonographer working three days a week could take home a significant income, while per-diem workers often benefit from flexible schedules in hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. The hourly pay range for this position spans from $28.98 at the entry level to $53.21 for experienced professionals, providing opportunities for advancement and economic growth within the region.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.98 | $231.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.11 | $272.90 |
| Median (P50) | $41.48 | $331.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.99 | $359.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.21 | $425.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $41.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.48/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $86,276 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,775. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,659.15 | $7,190 | $86,276 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.49 | $4,314 | $51,766 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.66 | $2,876 | $34,510 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Benton) | $41.48 |
| 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 Benton, AR earn a median of $86,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $88,045.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.48/hr = $51,766/year (purchasing power: $59,569).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,276/year (purchasing power: $99,282).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Benton grew 30.0% from $30.42/hr (2019) to $39.53/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.52/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 Benton 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 Benton
Considering the nuances of the profession, part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Benton could earn substantial income with a schedule of 24 hours weekly; however, their annual earnings will still typically trail behind full-time counterparts. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographers often command higher rates, billing anywhere from $55 to $80 per hour, particularly in specialized areas such as cardiac echo, where per-diem rates can soar to $70-$95. Acute travel contracts can yield earnings of $2,000-$3,200 weekly, especially for those in high-demand areas like cardiac and vascular sonography. Employers vary significantly in the rates they offer, with hospital settings generally paying less than outpatient imaging centers or mobile companies, presenting a choice between steady pay with benefits versus higher hourly rates without the safety net of health insurance. It is essential for professionals to negotiate effectively based on their skills, especially given the premium rates for specialties. Understanding these dynamics will empower sonographers to make informed decisions regarding their career paths in Benton.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Benton in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Benton?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Benton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Benton?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Benton?
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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 Benton. 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 Benton 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