Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Clearwater, FL: $41.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Clearwater, FL runs $41.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,745 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Clearwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clearwater, Florida, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is estimated to be $41.70 in 2026, which is notably below the national median of $48.73. This differential in pay suggests varying opportunities in local employment settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging services. For part-time and per-diem workers, the hourly rate can translate into significant earnings with flexible work schedules. Entry-level sonographers can expect to start at approximately $27.66 per hour, while experienced professionals in specialized fields, such as cardiac echo, may earn upwards of $58.68 hourly. This hourly range highlights the potential financial benefits for those pursuing careers in areas where demand remains strong, particularly in Clearwater’s evolving healthcare landscape.
About the Clearwater Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.66 | $221.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.28 | $266.27 |
| Median (P50) | $41.70 | $333.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.83 | $382.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.68 | $469.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clearwater
Based on $41.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.70/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clearwater, FL can expect to earn approximately $86,734 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,039. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clearwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clearwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,667.97 | $7,228 | $86,734 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,000.78 | $4,337 | $52,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $667.19 | $2,891 | $34,694 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Clearwater) | $41.70 |
| 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 Clearwater, FL earn a median of $86,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.41% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% above the Florida state average of $86,056.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.70/hr = $52,041/year (purchasing power: $51,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,734/year (purchasing power: $86,046).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Clearwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Clearwater grew 30.0% from $30.58/hr (2019) to $39.74/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.75/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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers working three days a week for 24 hours can expect an annual income around $51,336. This figure contrasts sharply with full-time counterparts, who may benefit from higher annual earnings but also face the trade-offs regarding benefits. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Clearwater is particularly appealing, with salaries ranging from $55 to $80 per hour for general sonography, and even higher rates of $70 to $95 for cardiac echo positions. Hospitals and outpatient facilities often provide different rates based on their operational budgets and patient caseloads. Some professionals might opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits like health insurance, especially in a competitive job market. Negotiation is crucial; understanding regional market norms and leveraging credentials, such as RDMS or RVT, can lead to optimized hourly rates for those looking to secure positions within Clearwater's varied healthcare settings.
More salary data for Clearwater, FL:
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 Clearwater. 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 Clearwater 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