Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Stockton, CA: $65.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Stockton, CA runs $65.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $136,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Stockton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.1, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $62.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,976 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Stockton, California, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a competitive median hourly rate of $65.69, significantly surpassing the national median of $48.73. This favorable pay reflects the higher costs of living in the area and the growing demand for professionals in this field. Part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, may enjoy flexible hours while making a substantial income, estimated around $59,400 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. For per-diem sonographers, who often work in various settings including hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers, the income can vary widely. Hourly rates range from $41.91 for entry-level positions to up to $90.17 for seasoned experts, showcasing opportunities for growth within this essential healthcare profession.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.91 | $335.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.44 | $411.49 |
| Median (P50) | $65.69 | $525.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.78 | $670.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.17 | $721.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stockton
Based on $65.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.69/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stockton, CA can expect to earn approximately $136,627 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,823. With a cost-of-living index of 105.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stockton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stockton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,627.45 | $11,386 | $136,627 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,576.47 | $6,831 | $81,976 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,050.98 | $4,554 | $54,651 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Stockton) | $65.69 |
| 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 Stockton, CA earn a median of $136,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.81% higher than the national median of $101,352.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.69/hr = $81,976/year (purchasing power: $78,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $136,627/year (purchasing power: $130,011).
CoL index: 105.089 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$49.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Stockton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $59.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $59.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Stockton grew 25.5% from $49.90/hr (2019) to $62.60/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.92/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 Stockton 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 Stockton
Considering part-time work in Stockton, a diagnostic medical sonographer contributing 24 hours per week can expect to take home about $59,400 annually, whereas full-time sonographers stand to earn even more. For those opting for per-diem work, billing rates typically fall between $55 and $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists commanding even higher wages ranging from $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts add unique financial opportunities, with earnings between $2,000 and $3,200 per week for positions, especially in cardiac or vascular sonography. The variations in hourly rates across employment types, including hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices, demonstrate the market's competitive nature. While some may accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without such perks. For negotiation, it's wise to articulate the value of specialized certifications from ARDMS or expertise in high-demand areas like cardiac echo, as these can lead to improved hourly rates.
More salary data for Stockton, 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 Stockton. 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