Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Urbandale, IA: $39.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Urbandale, IA runs $39.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,081 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Urbandale's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,854 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Urbandale, the hourly rate for a diagnostic medical sonographer is projected to be $39.95 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly wage of $48.73. This rate provides a solid earning potential for those engaged in part-time work, such as a schedule of three days per week, or for per-diem positions commonly found within hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and other specialized settings. For entry-level sonographers, the hourly wage can start at about $29.68, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $51.67. These figures illustrate the pay scale variability based on experience and setting, emphasizing the importance of location and specialization in determining earnings within the diagnostic medical sonography field in Urbandale.
About the Urbandale 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) | $29.68 | $237.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.06 | $272.48 |
| Median (P50) | $39.95 | $319.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.68 | $349.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.67 | $413.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Urbandale
Based on $39.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.95/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Urbandale, IA can expect to earn approximately $83,089 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,936. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Urbandale.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Urbandale
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,597.87 | $6,924 | $83,089 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $958.72 | $4,154 | $49,854 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $639.15 | $2,770 | $33,236 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Urbandale) | $39.95 |
| 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 Urbandale, IA earn a median of $83,081 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.03% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $86,996.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.95/hr = $49,854/year (purchasing power: $55,148).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,089/year (purchasing power: $91,913).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Urbandale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Urbandale grew 30.0% from $29.29/hr (2019) to $38.07/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.92/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 Urbandale 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 Urbandale
Part-time sonographers working a three-day week, totaling 24 hours, could expect to earn around $48,557 annually, which is markedly less than full-time counterparts. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Urbandale typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, while those specializing in cardiac echo may find rates between $70 and $95 per hour. Travel sonography contracts can fetch between $2,000 and $3,200 weekly, especially for roles in cardiac or vascular procedures, thus presenting a lucrative avenue for experienced professionals. When considering employers, hourly wages can differ based on whether one is employed in hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, or mobile imaging companies. Some choose lower hourly rates for roles offering benefits, while others, particularly those in agency or travel positions, prioritize higher pay without health insurance. Negotiating for better pay may involve highlighting skill certifications such as RDMS or RVT, particularly in a competitive job market like Urbandale, where specialized skill sets are always in demand.
More salary data for Urbandale, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Urbandale in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Urbandale?
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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 Urbandale. 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 Urbandale 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