Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $41.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Little Rock, AR runs $41.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,252 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,752 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Across Little Rock, Arkansas, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay averages $41.47, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This pay rate provides a solid income for those working as full-time sonographers in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and private practices, among others. For part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a respectable income—allowing for a balanced work-life scenario. Entry-level sonographers can expect to earn around $33.75 per hour, while more experienced sonographers may reach up to $50.49 per hour. The occupational landscape, guided by official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data, reveals that the sonography pay structure offers competitive compensation within the healthcare field, making it an attractive option for individuals pursuing careers in medical imaging in AR.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.75 | $269.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.06 | $304.46 |
| Median (P50) | $41.47 | $331.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.18 | $353.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.49 | $403.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $41.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.47/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $86,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,762. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,658.73 | $7,188 | $86,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $995.24 | $4,313 | $51,752 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $663.49 | $2,875 | $34,502 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Little Rock) | $41.47 |
| 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 Little Rock, AR earn a median of $86,252 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.90% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $88,103.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.47/hr = $51,752/year (purchasing power: $57,912).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,254/year (purchasing power: $96,520).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Little Rock grew 29.3% from $30.57/hr (2019) to $39.52/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.51/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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
When considering part-time opportunities, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week could earn significantly less annually compared to full-time counterparts, despite utilizing the same skills and credentials. For instance, many per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Little Rock may bill between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiac echo fetching even higher rates of $70 to $95 per hour. Contracted travel sonography positions can also be lucrative, offering weekly earnings ranging from $2,000 to $3,200. Hourly pay varies depending on the employer; for instance, hospital departments might have differing pay structures compared to outpatient imaging chains like RadNet and SimonMed, or specialized practices focusing on OB-GYN and cardiology. While some sonographers opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, others prioritize stability and health insurance, necessitating a careful balance during contract negotiations. Understanding the localized market dynamics and benefits available can aid professionals in making informed decisions about their earnings and employment in Little Rock.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Little Rock?
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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 Little Rock. 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