Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Livermore, CA: $64.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Livermore, CA runs $64.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,630 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Livermore's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,785 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Livermore, CA, diagnostic medical sonographers command a median hourly rate of $64.73, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73. This competitive pay allows part-time professionals working three days a week to earn a substantial income, making the career attractive even for those not seeking full-time hours. The hourly range reflects the profession's variability, with entry-level positions starting at $45.63 and experienced sonographers earning as much as $87.82 per hour. In facilities such as hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers, the lucrative hourly pay is also appealing to per-diem workers who thrive on flexibility. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, they provide a clear insight into the financial potential of diagnostic medical sonographers in the region.
About the Livermore 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) | $45.63 | $365.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.76 | $430.05 |
| Median (P50) | $64.73 | $517.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.61 | $580.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87.82 | $702.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Livermore
Based on $64.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.73/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Livermore, CA can expect to earn approximately $134,641 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,678. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Livermore.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Livermore
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,589.25 | $11,220 | $134,641 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,553.55 | $6,732 | $80,785 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,035.70 | $4,488 | $53,856 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Livermore) | $64.73 |
| 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 Livermore, CA earn a median of $134,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.83% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.50% below the California state average of $136,681.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.73/hr = $80,785/year (purchasing power: $71,428).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,641/year (purchasing power: $119,046).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Livermore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Livermore grew 30.0% from $47.47/hr (2019) to $61.69/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.92/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 Livermore 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 Livermore
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Livermore, working a schedule of 24 hours per week, can expect to take home around $80,000 annually, a figure that showcases the profession's lucrative nature compared to many other fields. For those who opt for the per diem route, billing $55-$80 per hour allows a dynamic approach to work, with cardiac echo specialists often earning between $70 and $95 per hour. Travel contracts can be particularly lucrative, yielding between $2,000 and $3,200 weekly, especially for those in the cardiac or vascular specialties. Hourly pay varies by employer type, with positions in outpatient imaging facilities like RadNet and SimonMed typically offering slightly lower rates compared to hospitals. Consequently, many sonographers must weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against the stability of full-time roles that often include health insurance. To negotiate effectively, candidates should be aware of local market rates and highlight specialty credentials such as RDMS, RDCS, and RVT, especially in fields like cardiac echo that command higher pay.
More salary data for Livermore, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Livermore in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Livermore?
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How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Livermore?
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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 Livermore. 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 Livermore 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