Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $66.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Pasadena, CA runs $66.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $137,681 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $82,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the hourly pay for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to be $66.19 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73 per hour. This pay rate reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in diverse settings, such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging units. For part-time workers, commonly positioned at three days a week, this translates into a respectable income while providing the flexibility many seek in their careers. Entry-level sonographers can expect an hourly rate starting around $46.26, while experienced professionals and top earners can make up to $91.75 per hour, showcasing the potential for growth and financial stability within the profession in Pasadena.
About the Pasadena 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) | $46.26 | $370.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.62 | $436.93 |
| Median (P50) | $66.19 | $529.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75.30 | $602.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91.75 | $734.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $66.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.19/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $137,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $79,428. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,647.59 | $11,473 | $137,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,588.56 | $6,884 | $82,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,059.04 | $4,589 | $55,070 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Pasadena) | $66.19 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $137,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.84% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% above the California state average of $136,588.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.19/hr = $82,605/year (purchasing power: $73,037).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $137,675/year (purchasing power: $121,728).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $50.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $53.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $55.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pasadena grew 30.0% from $48.54/hr (2019) to $63.08/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.45/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
When considering part-time work, a diagnostic medical sonographer operating three days a week would take home approximately $82,068 annually, while a full-time position could yield a significantly higher income. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Pasadena can vary widely, with rates typically between $55 and $80 per hour; rates for cardiac echocardiography may ascend to $70-$95 per hour. Travel sonographers enjoy additional earning opportunities, with contracts often commanding $2,000 to $3,200 weekly, particularly in specialty areas such as cardiac or vascular sonography, which offer attractive premiums. In Pasadena, wage differences depend on the employer type—hospital imaging departments, outpatient facilities like RadNet and SimonMed, and private practices each have their pay structures. Sonographers may choose between salaries offering comprehensive benefits at lower hourly rates versus higher pay without benefits, impacting their overall job satisfaction and financial planning. Knowing how to negotiate hourly pay, considering factors like location and specialization, can significantly enhance earning potential for those entering the profession.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pasadena in 2026?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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