Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Key West, FL: $40.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Key West, FL runs $40.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,770 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Key West's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $40.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,862 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Key West, Florida, diagnostic medical sonographers command a median hourly rate of $40.75, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This hourly pay provides opportunities for flexibility, attracting part-time or per-diem professionals who often work in a variety of settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging facilities. While the hourly range in Key West spans from $28.87 for entry-level positions to approximately $51.30 for experienced practitioners, these figures are reflective of the projected trends based on annual salary data and suggest a somewhat competitive landscape. Those looking to enter the field or increase their hours may find that this pay aligns with the demands of various specialized environments like cardiology labs and OB-GYN practices, where the focus on quality imaging remains critical.
About the Key West 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) | $28.87 | $230.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.81 | $270.47 |
| Median (P50) | $40.75 | $326.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.49 | $355.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.30 | $410.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Key West
Based on $40.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.75/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Key West, FL can expect to earn approximately $84,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,906. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Key West.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Key West
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,630.19 | $7,064 | $84,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $978.12 | $4,239 | $50,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $652.08 | $2,826 | $33,908 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Key West) | $40.75 |
| 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 Key West, FL earn a median of $84,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.36% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $86,061.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.75/hr = $50,862/year (purchasing power: $50,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,770/year (purchasing power: $84,097).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Key West grew 30.0% from $29.88/hr (2019) to $38.84/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.76/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 Key West 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 Key West
The earning potential for diagnostic medical sonographers who opt for part-time work, like a typical 3-day workweek amounting to 24 hours, can be significant. Such a schedule would yield an annual income of about $52,387, which contrasts sharply with the earnings of full-time practitioners in the field. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Key West is often lucrative, with rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour; furthermore, specialized cardiac echo roles can command up to $95 per hour. Hourly rates vary depending on the type of employer, whether in hospital settings, outpatient facilities, or private practices, each offering different benefits and pay scales. For many, the decision to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability can be a pivotal one. Those considering negotiations should remember that emphasizing expertise, especially in highly specialized areas like cardiac or vascular sonography, can lead to more favorable terms in this dynamic job market.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Key West?
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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 Key West. 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 Key West 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