Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Dunedin, FL: $39.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Dunedin, FL runs $39.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,453 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Dunedin's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $39.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,474 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Dunedin, Florida, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $39.64, significantly lower than the national median of $48.73. This hourly pay impacts part-time professionals, particularly those who work three days a week, as they can expect to earn around $31,000 annually by working 24 hours each week. The hourly wage is reflective of the roles typically found in hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and various specialty practices, including OB-GYN and cardiology. For entry-level sonographers, the hourly rate starts at approximately $29.53, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $51.60 per hour, which helps delineate the earning potential for those in Dunedin across their careers.
About the Dunedin 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) | $29.53 | $236.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.96 | $271.64 |
| Median (P50) | $39.64 | $317.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.46 | $347.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.60 | $412.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dunedin
Based on $39.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.64/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dunedin, FL can expect to earn approximately $82,457 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,571. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dunedin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dunedin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,585.70 | $6,871 | $82,457 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $951.42 | $4,123 | $49,474 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $634.28 | $2,749 | $32,983 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Dunedin) | $39.64 |
| 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 Dunedin, FL earn a median of $82,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.65% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $86,068.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.64/hr = $49,474/year (purchasing power: $49,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,457/year (purchasing power: $81,802).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dunedin grew 30.0% from $29.07/hr (2019) to $37.78/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.60/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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin
Considering the financial landscape for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dunedin, part-time professionals can appreciate the balance between hourly earnings and job flexibility. Individuals working per diem can command rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, and cardiac echo specialists may even earn between $70 and $95 per hour. In light of the growing demand for qualified sonographers, the regional market showcases various employer types, from hospital imaging departments to outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed. For those contemplating agency or locum tenens work, lucrative assignments, particularly in cardiac and vascular domains, can lead to earnings of $2,000 to $3,200 weekly. However, this potential comes with trade-offs, such as the lack of comprehensive benefits; many choose positions with lower pay in exchange for health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay effectively requires understanding local market standards and knowing the rate variations across different specialties and work settings. With the projected growth rate of 4.93% for this profession, those engaged in diagnostic medical sonography in Dunedin can anticipate evolving opportunities for both financial and career advancement.
More salary data for Dunedin, 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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin 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