Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Oakland, CA: $82.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Oakland, CA runs $82.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $171,999 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Oakland's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $103,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oakland, California, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $82.70 in 2026, which is significantly above the national median of $48.73. This attractive hourly rate enhances the appeal of part-time opportunities, allowing those working three days a week to earn a substantial income while maintaining a flexible schedule. Per-diem positions in various settings, such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging units, provide additional options for sonographers, though entry-level professionals may start at around $55.30 per hour, with seasoned specialists reaching up to $117.05 per hour. These figures are based on annual salary estimates, helping to paint a comprehensive picture of the hourly earnings landscape for diagnostic medical sonographers in Oakland.
About the Oakland 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) | $55.30 | $442.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $66.60 | $532.79 |
| Median (P50) | $82.70 | $661.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94.63 | $757.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117.05 | $936.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oakland
Based on $82.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $82.70/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oakland, CA can expect to earn approximately $172,006 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $99,234. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oakland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oakland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,307.81 | $14,334 | $172,006 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,984.69 | $8,600 | $103,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,323.13 | $5,734 | $68,803 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Oakland) | $82.70 |
| 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 Oakland, CA earn a median of $171,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 69.70% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 25.90% above the California state average of $136,616.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $82.70/hr = $103,204/year (purchasing power: $91,250).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $172,006/year (purchasing power: $152,083).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$60.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$78.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$82.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Oakland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $63.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $66.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $68.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $72.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $78.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Oakland grew 30.0% from $60.64/hr (2019) to $78.81/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.77/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 Oakland 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 Oakland
For part-time diagnostic medical sonographers working 24 hours a week, the annual income can reach approximately $102,336, contrasting sharply with full-time roles and emphasizing the flexibility that such positions provide. Per-diem or locum tenens sonographers typically charge between $55 and $80 per hour for various imaging responsibilities, while cardiac echo specialists can command rates up to $95. Additionally, sonographers employed in hospitals or outpatient imaging centers often see varying pay scales, influenced by the type of practice and expertise needed. The decision to accept a lower hourly rate in exchange for benefits like health insurance can be a calculated trade-off for many in the profession. For those looking to negotiate their hourly pay in Oakland, it’s beneficial to be informed about industry averages and to discuss how specific skills, such as ARDMS certification or experience in cardiac imaging, can enhance their bargaining power in a competitive market.
More salary data for Oakland, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Oakland in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Oakland?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Oakland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Oakland?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Oakland?
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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 Oakland. 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 Oakland 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