Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Alhambra, CA: $64.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Alhambra, CA runs $64.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Alhambra's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,785 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic medical sonographers in Alhambra, CA, can expect a median hourly pay of $64.73 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $48.73. This favorable rate enhances the economic viability for part-time workers and those seeking per-diem opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices. Hourly pay for sonographers in Alhambra typically ranges from $47.79 for entry-level positions to approximately $87.82 for the highest earners. These figures are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the competitive nature of diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Alhambra compared to other regions.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.79 | $382.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55.17 | $441.38 |
| Median (P50) | $64.73 | $517.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.15 | $561.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.82 | $702.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alhambra
Based on $64.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.73/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alhambra, CA can expect to earn approximately $134,641 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,678. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alhambra.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alhambra
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,589.25 | $11,220 | $134,641 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,553.55 | $6,732 | $80,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,035.70 | $4,488 | $53,856 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Alhambra) | $64.73 |
| 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 Alhambra, CA earn a median of $134,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.83% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.50% below the California state average of $136,681.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.73/hr = $80,785/year (purchasing power: $71,428).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,641/year (purchasing power: $119,046).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Alhambra grew 30.0% from $47.47/hr (2019) to $61.69/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.92/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 Alhambra 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 Alhambra
For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week (approximately 24 hours) could yield an annual income of around $82,637, which is significant in comparison to a full-time schedule. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Alhambra can vary, with rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, while specialized cardiac echo sonographers may earn between $70 and $95 hourly. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential, often offering $2,000 to $3,200 weekly. Hourly rates can differ based on employer type, such as outpatient imaging chains like RadNet or SimonMed, and the decision to choose lower hourly rates for jobs with health benefits can impact overall compensation. When negotiating wages, highlighting expertise and obtaining specialty credentials like RDCS or RVT can be beneficial, particularly in an environment where facility consolidation has shaped the salary landscape for sonographers in recent years.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Alhambra in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Alhambra?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Alhambra paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Alhambra?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Alhambra?
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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 Alhambra. 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 Alhambra 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