Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Garden Grove, CA: $67.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Garden Grove, CA runs $67.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $139,724 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Garden Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $59.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,836 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garden Grove, California, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $67.18 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.73. This robust hourly rate provides substantial income potential for both part-time and per-diem sonographers, commonly employed in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers. For instance, a sonographer working three days a week can earn a competitive wage while maintaining flexibility in their schedule, while per-diem workers benefit from the ability to select their shifts according to personal needs. With the hourly range extending from approximately $44.90 for entry-level positions up to $90.96 for top earners, Garden Grove appears to offer favorable compensation prospects for professionals in this field.
About the Garden Grove 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) | $44.90 | $359.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.07 | $432.56 |
| Median (P50) | $67.18 | $537.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.93 | $599.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.96 | $727.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garden Grove
Based on $67.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.18/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garden Grove, CA can expect to earn approximately $139,726 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,611. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Garden Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garden Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,687.05 | $11,644 | $139,726 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,612.23 | $6,986 | $83,836 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,074.82 | $4,658 | $55,891 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Garden Grove) | $67.18 |
| 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 Garden Grove, CA earn a median of $139,724 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.86% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.30% above the California state average of $136,582.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.18/hr = $83,836/year (purchasing power: $74,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $139,726/year (purchasing power: $123,542).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.02/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Garden Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.02/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Garden Grove grew 30.0% from $49.26/hr (2019) to $64.02/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.49/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 Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove
For part-time positions, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week can earn a solid annual income, though this will be less than that of full-time counterparts. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Garden Grove varies, with rates commonly billed between $55 and $80 per hour. Specifically, those specializing in cardiac echo can command even higher rates, reaching $70 to $95 per hour, making it an attractive option for those with advanced credentials. Travel opportunities in the sonography field also present lucrative prospects, with contracts offering $2,000 to $3,200 per week, particularly for cardiac and vascular sonographers. Hourly earnings can differ among employer types, as hospital departments may provide more stability and benefits compared to outpatient imaging centers or mobile imaging vans, where some might sacrifice hourly rates for health benefits. For successful negotiations, having a clear understanding of the market pay rates and being prepared to discuss the value of specialty credentials like RDMS or RVT can set candidates apart in this competitive landscape.
More salary data for Garden Grove, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Garden Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Garden Grove?
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How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Garden Grove?
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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 Garden Grove. 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 Garden Grove 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