Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Lexington, KY: $42.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Lexington, KY runs $42.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,068 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,839 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lexington, Kentucky, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at $42.34, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This wage reflects opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For those working three days a week, earnings can provide a stable entry-level income while more experienced sonographers can command significantly higher hourly wages, ranging from $23.55 for entry-level positions to $53.17 for top earners. These values are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, offering a reliable snapshot of the hourly compensation landscape in Lexington.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.55 | $188.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.14 | $305.14 |
| Median (P50) | $42.34 | $338.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.13 | $409.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.17 | $425.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $42.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.34/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, KY can expect to earn approximately $88,066 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,807. With a cost-of-living index of 92.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,693.57 | $7,339 | $88,066 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,016.14 | $4,403 | $52,839 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $677.43 | $2,936 | $35,226 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Lexington) | $42.34 |
| 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 Lexington, KY earn a median of $88,068 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.11% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.70% below the Kentucky state average of $90,512.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.34/hr = $52,839/year (purchasing power: $56,884).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,066/year (purchasing power: $94,807).
CoL index: 92.889 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lexington grew 25.7% from $32.09/hr (2019) to $40.35/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.43/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time diagnostic medical sonographers reveals that a typical 24-hour workweek translates into an annual income considerably lower than that of full-time professionals. Moreover, per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Lexington can vary widely. Rates often reach $55 to $80 per hour, while specialized cardiac echo sonographers can command premium rates of $70 to $95 hourly. Travel contracts, especially in cardiac and vascular specialties, can yield lucrative compensation of $2,000 to $3,200 per week. Hourly rates within Lexington’s healthcare facilities may differ, influenced by the employer type. For instance, while hospitals might offer more steady benefits, outpatient centers could provide higher hourly compensation but less comprehensive benefits. When negotiating, it's essential for sonographers to weigh immediate pay against overall benefits, making clear decisions that align with their professional needs and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Lexington, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Lexington?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Lexington?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
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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 Lexington. 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