Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Hayward, CA: $66.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Hayward, CA runs $66.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,421 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Hayward's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,050 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hayward, California, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is notably competitive, with a median rate of $66.55. This figure surpasses the national hourly median of $48.73 by an impressive margin, reflecting the greater demand and cost of living in the area. For professionals in part-time roles, such as those working three days a week in various medical settings like outpatient imaging centers and hospital ultrasound suites, these hourly rates translate into substantial compensation even on a reduced schedule. Entry-level sonographers can expect to earn around $43.69 per hour, while seasoned professionals commanding top-tier pay can reach as much as $92.98 hourly. With the growing need for skilled sonographers in Hayward, the hourly wage presents an appealing opportunity for both full-time and per-diem workers aiming to maximize their earnings.
About the Hayward 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) | $43.69 | $349.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56.78 | $454.22 |
| Median (P50) | $66.55 | $532.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76.08 | $608.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92.98 | $743.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hayward
Based on $66.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.55/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hayward, CA can expect to earn approximately $138,417 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,856. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hayward.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hayward
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,661.86 | $11,535 | $138,417 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,597.12 | $6,921 | $83,050 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,064.75 | $4,614 | $55,367 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Hayward) | $66.55 |
| 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 Hayward, CA earn a median of $138,421 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.57% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.30% above the California state average of $136,644.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.55/hr = $83,050/year (purchasing power: $73,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,417/year (purchasing power: $122,385).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Hayward (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $68.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hayward grew 30.0% from $48.80/hr (2019) to $63.42/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.83/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 Hayward 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 Hayward
Considering the realities of part-time work, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours per week can still draw a commendable income annually, significantly higher than many other occupations. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Hayward often face an earning range that typically invoices between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiac echo grossing as much as $70 to $95 per hour. Those considering travel contracts may find even more lucrative opportunities, netting $2,000 to $3,200 per week, particularly in high-demand specialties like cardiac and vascular sonography. Pay rates vary across different settings, with hospital imaging departments and outpatient chains, such as RadNet and SimonMed, generally offering more structured hourly compensation while OB-GYN and cardiology practices may provide lower rates without benefits. Consequently, some diagnostic medical sonographers face a trade-off between securing higher hourly rates without benefits versus choosing positions that offer health insurance but at a lower pay rate. For those focused on maximizing their income, negotiating pay at the outset and being aware of the market conditions in Hayward can play a crucial role in establishing a fulfilling career in sonography.
More salary data for Hayward, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Hayward. 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 Hayward 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