Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $57.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Boulder, CO runs $57.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,271 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $54.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,168 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected at $57.83 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $48.73. This premium not only reflects the cost of living in Boulder but also highlights the demand for qualified professionals in various healthcare settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology echo labs. The hourly wage provides flexibility for part-time professionals, especially those working three days a week, who can still enjoy a substantial income while balancing their personal commitments. For entry-level sonographers, the hourly range starts at approximately $50.44, while highly experienced individuals can earn up to $68.94, indicating robust earning potential across all experience levels in this rewarding field.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50.44 | $403.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.44 | $403.52 |
| Median (P50) | $57.83 | $462.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64.93 | $519.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.94 | $551.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $57.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $57.83/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $120,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,392. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,313.08 | $10,023 | $120,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,387.85 | $6,014 | $72,168 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $925.23 | $4,009 | $48,112 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Boulder) | $57.83 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $120,271 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.67% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 7.00% above the Colorado state average of $112,403.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $57.83/hr = $72,168/year (purchasing power: $68,599).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,280/year (purchasing power: $114,332).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$43.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$57.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Boulder grew 27.7% from $43.16/hr (2019) to $55.11/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.68/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
Considering the full scope of earning options, part-time sonographers who work approximately 24 hours a week in Boulder can still expect a solid annual income compared to full-time workers. The reality of per diem opportunities is noteworthy; these professionals typically charge between $55-$80 per hour, and when specializing in cardiac echo, rates can spike to $70-$95 per hour. Travel sonography contracts present additional earning prospects, with reported rates ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 per week, attracting those seeking higher pay at the cost of job security. Hourly rates in Boulder may also vary based on employer types, with hospital imaging departments often providing steadier benefits than outpatient centers or private practices. Therefore, some sonographers may choose lower hourly rates with included health insurance over higher pay without benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay, emphasizing specialized credentials like RDMS, RDCS, or RVT can yield better compensation.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Boulder in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Boulder?
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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 Boulder. 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