Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Norwalk, CA: $65.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Norwalk, CA runs $65.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,627 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Norwalk's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $57.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,374 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Norwalk, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $65.20. This figure significantly surpasses the national median hourly rate of $48.73, reflecting the higher demand and cost of living in the area. For professionals seeking part-time work, such as those operating three days a week, this pay translates to a substantial earning potential, particularly when working within hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, or specialized clinics. With entry-level positions starting at around $45.85 per hour and top earners reaching up to $88.40, the hourly pay accommodates a wide spectrum of experience and skill levels, ensuring competitive compensation across various settings.
About the Norwalk 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) | $45.85 | $366.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.65 | $421.23 |
| Median (P50) | $65.20 | $521.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72.95 | $583.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88.40 | $707.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norwalk
Based on $65.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.20/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norwalk, CA can expect to earn approximately $135,623 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,244. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norwalk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norwalk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,608.14 | $11,302 | $135,623 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,564.88 | $6,781 | $81,374 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,043.26 | $4,521 | $54,249 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Norwalk) | $65.20 |
| 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 Norwalk, CA earn a median of $135,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.82% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.70% below the California state average of $136,583.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.20/hr = $81,374/year (purchasing power: $71,949).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,623/year (purchasing power: $119,914).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$47.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Norwalk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $48.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $66.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Norwalk grew 30.0% from $47.81/hr (2019) to $62.14/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.42/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 Norwalk 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 Norwalk
Looking deeper into the earning dynamics of this profession in Norwalk, part-time diagnostic medical sonographers working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home around $81,504 annually, which is still considerably lower than full-time counterparts. For those exploring per diem opportunities, typical pay fluctuates between $55 and $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists often earning between $70 and $95. Travel sonography contracts provide another lucrative avenue, offering weekly billing rates from $2,000 to $3,200, with higher compensation offered for cardiac and vascular placements. Hourly rates vary significantly based on employer type, with hospitals generally offering higher base pay than outpatient centers or private practices. Moreover, professionals must weigh the trade-offs of lower hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance against higher rates that offer no such perks. Negotiation strategies tailored to Norwalk's job market could involve emphasizing specialized credentials, such as ARDMS certifications, to command a better hourly rate.
More salary data for Norwalk, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Norwalk in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Norwalk?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Norwalk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Norwalk?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Norwalk?
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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 Norwalk. 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 Norwalk 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