Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in San Jose, CA: $87.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in San Jose, CA runs $87.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $181,686 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against San Jose's regional price level (BEA RPP 110.4, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $79.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $109,018 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In San Jose, California, diagnostic medical sonographers are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $87.35 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $48.73. This generous hourly rate provides ample opportunities for part-time positions, allowing professionals to work three days a week and potentially net a substantial income without committing to full-time schedules. Per-diem work is also prevalent, with rates typically varying based on the setting—hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile imaging vans, and other specialized environments. Entry-level sonographers can anticipate starting around $50.51 per hour, while top earners may reach as high as $107.46, showcasing the range of income potential available within the field.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.51 | $404.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74.16 | $593.32 |
| Median (P50) | $87.35 | $698.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $96.07 | $768.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107.46 | $859.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in San Jose
Based on $87.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $87.35/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in San Jose, CA can expect to earn approximately $181,697 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $104,825. With a cost-of-living index of 110.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in San Jose.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in San Jose
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,494.17 | $15,141 | $181,697 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,096.50 | $9,085 | $109,018 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,397.67 | $6,057 | $72,679 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (San Jose) | $87.35 |
| 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 San Jose, CA earn a median of $181,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 79.26% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 33.00% above the California state average of $136,606.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $87.35/hr = $109,018/year (purchasing power: $98,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $181,697/year (purchasing power: $164,546).
CoL index: 110.423 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$48.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$83.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$87.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+89.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in San Jose (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $55.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $75.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $82.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $83.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in San Jose grew 72.5% from $48.27/hr (2019) to $83.25/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $91.66/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 San Jose 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 San Jose
Examining the part-time earning potential provides further insights into the profession. A diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $68,469 annually, which is competitive compared to full-time positions. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in San Jose commonly varies, with typical rates falling between $55 and $80 for standard roles, while specialty positions like cardiac echo sonography can command up to $95 per hour. Additionally, travel sonography contracts often offer lucrative weekly pay ranges from $2,000 to $3,200. Hourly rates also differ by employer type; hospitals tend to provide competitive wages alongside benefits, while outpatient imaging centers or private practices may offer higher hourly pay but fewer, if any, benefits. Navigating such trade-offs can be complex; some sonographers may prioritize health insurance and steady hours over a higher hourly wage without benefits. Professionals in San Jose should consider these dynamics when negotiating their pay, taking into account the cost of living and industry standards.
More salary data for San Jose, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in San Jose in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in San Jose?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in San Jose paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in San Jose?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in San Jose?
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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 San Jose. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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