Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Novato, CA: $66.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Novato, CA runs $66.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,336 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Novato's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,395 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Novato, California, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly rate of $66.02, notably higher than the national median of $48.73. This competitive hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various healthcare settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For part-time workers, typically those on a 3-day work schedule, this hourly rate can lead to significant earnings, especially for those seeking per-diem opportunities, which allow for flexible working arrangements. The hourly pay ranges from $45.51 for entry-level positions to $85.45 for seasoned professionals, highlighting the potential for lucrative earnings as one gains experience and specialization in fields like cardiac and vascular sonography.
About the Novato 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) | $45.51 | $364.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.90 | $431.22 |
| Median (P50) | $66.02 | $528.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71.75 | $574.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85.45 | $683.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Novato
Based on $66.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.02/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Novato, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,326 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,226. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Novato.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Novato
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,640.88 | $11,444 | $137,326 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,584.53 | $6,866 | $82,395 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,056.35 | $4,578 | $54,930 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Novato) | $66.02 |
| 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 Novato, CA earn a median of $137,336 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.50% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.50% above the California state average of $136,652.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.02/hr = $82,395/year (purchasing power: $72,852).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,326/year (purchasing power: $121,420).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Novato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Novato grew 30.0% from $48.41/hr (2019) to $62.92/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.28/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 Novato 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 Novato
For diagnostic medical sonographers considering part-time work, committing to a 3-day workweek translates to an annual income of approximately $82,872, significantly less than a full-time salary but still competitive in the Novato job market. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in the region typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists frequently earning between $70 and $95. Travel sonographers can command premium rates of $2,000 to $3,200 per week, which elevates the appeal of these positions for some. When evaluating potential employers, sonographers should consider that outpatient imaging centers, OB-GYN practices, and hospital imaging departments may offer different hourly compensation based on benefits packages and job demands. Accepting lower hourly rates for positions that include health insurance could ultimately provide greater financial security than pursuing roles that offer higher pay without benefits. For successful negotiations, understanding the local market and clearly articulating your qualifications and specialized credentials is crucial in securing the best possible rates in Novato.
More salary data for Novato, 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 Novato. 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 Novato 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