Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Lakewood, CA: $64.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Lakewood, CA runs $64.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $133,158 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $79,894 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Competitive pay is a critical aspect of the diagnostic medical sonographer profession in Lakewood, California, where the median hourly rate stands at $64.02. This figure significantly surpasses the national hourly median of $48.73, reflecting the higher cost of living in the area. For part-time workers, such as those finding themselves in hospital ultrasound suites or outpatient imaging centers, hours can often translate into financial stability; a sonographer working three days a week can earn a substantial income over time, depending on their shifts. Additionally, there is a considerable range in hourly pay, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $46.15 and experienced professionals earning up to $85.47 per hour. This structure provides multiple paths for growth and advancement within the healthcare system, whether specializing in cardiology echo labs or outpatient imaging environments, like those run by RadNet or SimonMed.
About the Lakewood 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) | $46.15 | $369.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.33 | $418.63 |
| Median (P50) | $64.02 | $512.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70.99 | $567.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.47 | $683.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $64.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.02/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, CA can expect to earn approximately $133,157 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $76,821. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,560.71 | $11,096 | $133,157 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,536.43 | $6,658 | $79,894 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,024.28 | $4,439 | $53,263 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Lakewood) | $64.02 |
| 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 Lakewood, CA earn a median of $133,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.38% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.50% below the California state average of $136,573.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.02/hr = $79,894/year (purchasing power: $70,640).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $133,157/year (purchasing power: $117,734).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $65.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lakewood grew 30.0% from $46.94/hr (2019) to $61.01/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.17/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
In terms of actual take-home pay, working part-time as a diagnostic medical sonographer may yield approximately $82,000 annually for professionals clocking 24 hours a week. Per-diem roles, meanwhile, provide an interesting alternative with varying earning potential. A per diem diagnostic medical sonographer in Lakewood can typically expect to bill between $55 and $80 per hour, but those specializing in cardiac echo procedures often reach rates from $70 to $95. Travel contracts could present higher earnings, ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 weekly for more seasoned professionals in the field. Hourly rates also differ by employer type—hospital imaging departments may offer one rate, while mobile imaging companies or outpatient centers may have competitive offerings tailored to market demands. Healthcare professionals also navigate the balance of hourly compensation and benefits: while some may accept lower hourly rates for the security of health insurance, others may prefer higher pay without benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effective negotiation in Lakewood’s job market, particularly for those looking to maximize their earnings in this specialized field.
More salary data for Lakewood, 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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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