Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Dubuque, IA: $42.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Dubuque, IA runs $42.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,990 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Dubuque's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,800 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Dubuque, Iowa, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $42.31 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This pay structure can present various opportunities, particularly for part-time or per-diem workers who operate in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For those working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a reliable income while allowing flexibility in scheduling, but with earnings that could range substantially from $29.62 at entry-level positions to $56.84 for experienced sonographers. The diverse environments in which they work can influence overall compensation, reflecting a variety of skill sets and area demands. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a critical understanding of expected earnings before diving into specific job settings.
About the Dubuque Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.62 | $236.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.88 | $279.03 |
| Median (P50) | $42.31 | $338.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.22 | $377.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.84 | $454.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dubuque
Based on $42.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.31/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dubuque, IA can expect to earn approximately $88,000 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,769. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dubuque.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dubuque
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,692.31 | $7,333 | $88,000 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,015.39 | $4,400 | $52,800 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $676.92 | $2,933 | $35,200 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Dubuque) | $42.31 |
| 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 Dubuque, IA earn a median of $87,990 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.18% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.20% above the Iowa state average of $86,947.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.31/hr = $52,800/year (purchasing power: $58,407).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,000/year (purchasing power: $97,345).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dubuque (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.42/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.39/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dubuque grew 30.0% from $31.02/hr (2019) to $40.32/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.39/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 Dubuque 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 Dubuque
Diving deeper into the earnings potential for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dubuque reveals encouraging options, especially for those opting for part-time roles or per-diem arrangements. A sonographer working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $52,000 annually, a significant share compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Dubuque can range from $55 to over $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists commanding rates between $70 and $95 per hour. While the immediate financial rewards for agency or locum tenens work can be enticing—travel sonographers may make $2,000 to $3,200 per week for high-demand specialties—individuals must consider trade-offs in terms of health benefits and job security. Hourly rates can vary across different employer types in Dubuque, reflecting the demand in hospital departments versus outpatient facilities like RadNet or SimonMed, and even OB-GYN practices. For those negotiating hourly pay, understanding these dynamics can empower sonographers to seek the best possible compensation while aligning their career priorities with financial needs.
More salary data for Dubuque, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dubuque in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Dubuque?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Dubuque paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Dubuque?
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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 Dubuque. 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 Dubuque 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