Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $54.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Thornton, CO runs $54.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,218 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $52.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,528 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median of $54.91, a rate that significantly exceeds the national median of $48.73. This competitive hourly wage enables professionals working part-time or per diem—who often operate in environments such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices—to maintain attractive earning potential. For example, part-time sonographers, typically working around three days a week, can earn a solid income, while per diem workers usually see rates fluctuating between entry-level figures near $36.33 and potential top earnings reaching $77.01 per hour. These rates are based on estimated annual salaries, translating into favorable opportunities for those in the field.
About the Thornton Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.33 | $290.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.76 | $350.05 |
| Median (P50) | $54.91 | $439.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.99 | $503.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77.01 | $616.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $54.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.91/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $114,213 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,892. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,196.39 | $9,518 | $114,213 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,317.84 | $5,711 | $68,528 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $878.56 | $3,807 | $45,685 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Thornton) | $54.91 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $114,218 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.69% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $112,420.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.91/hr = $68,528/year (purchasing power: $65,264).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,213/year (purchasing power: $108,774).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Thornton grew 30.0% from $40.26/hr (2019) to $52.33/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.62/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
When considering part-time work, a diagnostic medical sonographer in Thornton operating 24 hours a week could expect to bring home around $69,000 annually, making this a viable option for those seeking a better work-life balance compared to full-time positions. On the other hand, per diem sonographers often find themselves billing between $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized cardiac echo positions commanding higher rates of $70 to $95 hourly. Travel sonography contracts can further amplify earnings, presenting opportunities to make $2,000 to $3,200 a week. However, hourly pay can vary by employer type; while hospitals may offer stability and benefits, outpatient imaging centers might provide higher rates but no health coverage. This trade-off often leads sonographers to weigh the desirability of benefits versus higher pay rates. When negotiating, it is beneficial to consider employer reputation, the potential for overtime, and any additional perks that may influence overall compensation in Thornton’s imaging market.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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