Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Bear, DE: $39.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Bear, DE runs $39.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,657 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Bear's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,592 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly pay of $39.74, which positions them below the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate is significant for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions within varied medical settings, such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working three days a week, this translates to a stable income while allowing for work-life balance. The hourly pay range for professionals in the area spans from approximately $29.46 for entry-level positions to $48.66 for the most experienced practitioners, providing ample opportunities for both newcomers and seasoned sonographers to find a suitable role in Bear.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.46 | $235.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.66 | $269.29 |
| Median (P50) | $39.74 | $317.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.09 | $336.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.66 | $389.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bear
Based on $39.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.74/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bear, DE can expect to earn approximately $82,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,684. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bear.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bear
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,589.48 | $6,888 | $82,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $953.69 | $4,133 | $49,592 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.79 | $2,755 | $33,061 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Bear) | $39.74 |
| 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 Bear, DE earn a median of $82,657 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.45% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $86,280.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.74/hr = $49,592/year (purchasing power: $48,763).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,653/year (purchasing power: $81,271).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Bear grew 30.0% from $29.14/hr (2019) to $37.87/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.70/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 Bear 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 Bear
Evaluation of the hourly income potential reveals interesting contrasts when comparing full-time and part-time opportunities. A diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours per week, typical for a part-time schedule, would take home an annual income that may not fully match what one could earn working full-time, given the benefits often associated with full-time positions. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Bear can be quite lucrative, with rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour; specialized positions in cardiac echo may even command upwards of $70 to $95 per hour. This dynamic reflects how different employer types, such as hospitals versus outpatient imaging centers or private practices, can influence earnings. While some professionals might opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for healthcare benefits, others prioritize higher pay and flexible schedules. Candidates should engage in practical negotiations focused on their unique experience and specialty credentials, potentially gaining advantageous offers in this evolving healthcare market in Bear, DE.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
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 Bear. 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 Bear 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