Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Des Moines, IA: $43.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Des Moines, IA runs $43.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,373 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Des Moines's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.7, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,830 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, Iowa, the projected diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at $43.93, which falls short of the national median hourly rate of $48.73. This discrepancy reflects the competitive nature of healthcare salaries across the United States while providing insight into the unique economic dynamics of the local job market. For part-time and per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers—who often work three days a week in a variety of settings such as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty clinics—this means a practical earning potential that varies significantly between entry-level positions and highly experienced professionals. Those at the lower end of the pay spectrum may earn as little as $39.40 per hour, while top earners can command as much as $51.25 per hour, providing opportunities for skilled practitioners to find their place in a diverse healthcare environment.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.40 | $315.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.05 | $336.36 |
| Median (P50) | $43.93 | $351.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.76 | $398.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.25 | $409.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Moines
Based on $43.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.93/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Moines, IA can expect to earn approximately $91,383 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,721. With a cost-of-living index of 91.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Moines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Moines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,757.37 | $7,615 | $91,383 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,054.42 | $4,569 | $54,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $702.95 | $3,046 | $36,553 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Des Moines) | $43.93 |
| 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 Des Moines, IA earn a median of $91,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.85% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.10% above the Iowa state average of $86,939.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.93/hr = $54,830/year (purchasing power: $59,792).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,383/year (purchasing power: $99,653).
CoL index: 91.701 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Des Moines grew 13.9% from $36.76/hr (2019) to $41.87/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.10/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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines
Part-time sonographers, working a 24-hour week, can anticipate an annual take-home amount that reflects their unique working arrangements, distinctly lower than their full-time counterparts. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Des Moines often ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, attracting many professionals who prefer flexible schedules, particularly in more lucrative fields such as cardiac echo, where contract rates can escalate to between $70 and $95 per hour. Travel sonographers may benefit even more, with contracts offering between $2,000 and $3,200 per week, reflecting the demand for specialized expertise. In Des Moines, hourly pay can also vary greatly based on the type of employer; hospitals typically offer competitive hourly rates but may have lower pay compared to outpatient centers focused on profitability. It's common for sonographers to face trade-offs between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits or pursuing higher pay without the security of health insurance. For those negotiating their hourly rate, understanding the local market dynamics and current demand for specialties can empower them to make informed decisions regarding their career path in this evolving and essential field.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Des Moines in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Des Moines?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Des Moines paid hourly or salary?
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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 Des Moines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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