Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $65.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Murrieta, CA runs $65.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,806 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the city of Murrieta, California, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay averages an impressive $65.55, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $48.73. This favorable compensation is reflective of the local demand for qualified sonographers in various healthcare settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology labs. Part-time sonographers working three days a week typically enjoy a flexible work-life balance while earning a solid income. The hourly rates for these professionals can range from $46.69 at entry-level positions to approximately $89.57 for experienced sonographers at the top end of the scale. It's paramount to note that these figures are informed by estimated annual salary data, indicating a lucrative pathway for those pursuing a career in sonography in this region.
About the Murrieta 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) | $46.69 | $373.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.75 | $438.02 |
| Median (P50) | $65.55 | $524.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.25 | $601.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89.57 | $716.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $65.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.55/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,344 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,660. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,621.99 | $11,362 | $136,344 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,573.19 | $6,817 | $81,806 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,048.80 | $4,545 | $54,537 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Murrieta) | $65.55 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $136,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.53% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.20% below the California state average of $136,618.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.55/hr = $81,806/year (purchasing power: $72,331).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,344/year (purchasing power: $120,551).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Murrieta grew 30.0% from $48.07/hr (2019) to $62.47/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.78/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Murrieta, specializing in various fields including cardiac echo and vascular imaging, can take home substantial annual income despite working fewer hours than full-time counterparts. Working 24 hours a week with a median hourly rate implies an annual income considerably more competitive than many professions. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Murrieta typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, while cardiac echo professionals can command between $70 to $95 per hour. Those considering travel contracts may see weekly earnings of $2,000 to $3,200, especially in high-demand specialties. Hourly compensation varies among different employers, such as hospitals, outpatient imaging chains like RadNet and SimonMed, and private practices, often influencing the decision to trade lower hourly rates for benefits like health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding the local market and being aware of specialized skills or credentials can provide leverage, ensuring compensation aligns with the expected fees and local standards.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Murrieta?
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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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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