Sonographer Pay

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Carson, CA: $64.37 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Carson, CA runs $64.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,905 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Carson's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,339 per year.

$133,905
Median Annual Salary
$64.37/hr
Hourly Rate
$97,714
Entry Level (P10)
$185,123
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Rate in Carson, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Carson, CA diagnostic medical sonographer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson, California command a median hourly pay of $64.37, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73. This attractive pay scale provides compelling opportunities for part-time workers, allowing those who opt to work three days a week to balance their careers with other commitments. Typical settings, such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices, benefit from a diverse professional landscape. For sonographers just entering the field, hourly rates start at approximately $46.98, while top earners can reach about $89.00. Such estimates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, reflecting favorable compensation trends for diagnostic medical sonographers in this vibrant California city.

About the Carson Market

Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$46.98$375.82
Lower Range (P25)$54.46$435.67
Median (P50)$64.37$515.00
Upper Range (P75)$69.36$554.87
Top Earners (P90)$89.00$712.01

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson

Based on $64.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a diagnostic medical sonographer in Carson earning $64.37/hr would make approximately $77,249 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $133,899 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$77,249Reduced (32 hr/wk)$102,999Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$133,899

At $64.37/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,899 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,249. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carson.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$515.00
per 8hr shift
$2,574.98
per week
$11,158
per month
$133,899
per year

Schedule Comparison in Carson

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,574.98$11,158$133,899
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,544.99$6,695$80,339
Per Diem (16 hrs)$1,029.99$4,463$53,560

Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Carson)$64.37
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Carson ($133,905) with California average ($136,638) and the US national median ($101,352).Carson$133,905California Avg$136,638-2.00%US National$101,352+32.12%

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Carson, CA earn a median of $133,905 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.12% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.00% below the California state average of $136,638.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $64.37/hr = $80,339/year (purchasing power: $71,034).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,899/year (purchasing power: $118,390).

CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$47.21/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$61.35/hr

2026 Current Est.

$64.37/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Carson (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson. Baseline $47.21/hr in 2025, projected to $67.55/hr by 2027.$43$50$57$64$722019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$47.21$48.22$49.38$51.67$53.65$66.08$61.35$64.37$67.55
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$47.21/hrActual
2020$48.22/hrActual
2021$49.38/hrActual
2022$51.67/hrActual
2023$53.65/hrActual
2024$66.08/hrActual
2025$61.35/hrActual
2026(current)$64.37/hrEstimated
2027$67.55/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson grew 30.0% from $47.21/hr (2019) to $61.35/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.55/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Carson

Considering the earning potential for part-time diagnostic medical sonographers, a professional working a 24-hour week might expect a take-home annual income that notably differs from full-time counterparts. Per diem roles, which are increasingly common in this field, typically offer hourly rates ranging from $55 to $80, with cardiac echo specialists earning premiums that may climb to $95 per hour. Travel contracts for sonographers can yield impressive weekly incomes between $2,000 and $3,200, particularly for those specializing in cardiac and vascular procedures. In Carson, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer type, with outpatient imaging centers and mobile imaging companies often providing competitive pay. As many diagnostic medical sonographers weigh their options, they might accept lower hourly rates for full-time positions that come with health insurance benefits, while others pursue higher rates in per diem roles without benefits. Those negotiating their rates should emphasize specialized credentials, such as RDMS or RDCS, to leverage the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson is $64.37/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $46.98 at entry level (10th percentile) to $89.00 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 32.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Carson?

A part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Carson earns approximately $6,695/month, or $80,339/year at the median hourly rate of $64.37. Many diagnostic medical sonographers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson paid hourly or salary?

The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson are paid hourly at a median rate of $64.37/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $133,899/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Carson?

A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Carson earns approximately $133,899/year at the median hourly rate of $64.37. This is 32.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $185,123/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Carson?

Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Carson sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $89.00/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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 Carson. 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 Carson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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