Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, CA: $64.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Carlsbad, CA runs $64.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,929 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $64.85, diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Carlsbad, CA, significantly exceeds the national median of $48.73. This lucrative rate makes the profession attractive for part-time workers, especially those seeking to balance work and personal life. For example, a sonographer working three days a week would earn approximately $1,000 weekly, or about $52,000 annually, based on this hourly wage. Those entering the field start around $46.31 per hour, while seasoned professionals can command up to $89.25 per hour. The array of work environments, from hospital ultrasound suites to outpatient imaging centers and mobile imaging vans, provides a flexible setting for part-time and per-diem opportunities, highlighting the varied compensation potential based on experience and specialization.
About the Carlsbad 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) | $46.31 | $370.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.04 | $424.34 |
| Median (P50) | $64.85 | $518.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73.19 | $585.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.25 | $714.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $64.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.85/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, CA can expect to earn approximately $134,881 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,816. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,593.87 | $11,240 | $134,881 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,556.32 | $6,744 | $80,929 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,037.55 | $4,496 | $53,952 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Carlsbad) | $64.85 |
| 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 Carlsbad, CA earn a median of $134,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.08% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.30% below the California state average of $136,660.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.85/hr = $80,929/year (purchasing power: $71,555).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,881/year (purchasing power: $119,258).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.05/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carlsbad grew 30.0% from $47.55/hr (2019) to $61.80/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.04/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
For part-time sonographers in Carlsbad operating on a three-day week schedule, the annual take-home amount contrasts sharply with that of full-time employees. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Carlsbad offers a different dynamic, with rates typically ranging from $55 to $80/hour. However, cardiac echo specialists can see even higher rates, often billing between $70 and $95/hour, while travel contracts can net sonographers between $2,000 and $3,200 weekly, particularly in cardiac and vascular roles. Variations in hourly rates will depend on the employing entity; hospital imaging departments often provide robust benefits, whereas outpatient imaging centers may offer higher pay without insurance. For those negotiating hourly rates, understanding the benefits trade-off is crucial—accepting a lower hourly for comprehensive health insurance or opting for a higher hourly without benefits. Building strong negotiation skills is essential, particularly in Carlsbad, to maximize earnings and align work hours with lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Carlsbad, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carlsbad in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Carlsbad?
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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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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