Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Louisville, KY: $47.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Louisville, KY runs $47.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,675 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Louisville's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,204 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Louisville, KY, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median of $47.44, which is slightly below the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate offers substantial potential for both part-time and per-diem workers in diverse settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and even mobile imaging vans. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week can lead to a significant income, particularly considering the hourly range from $30.72 for entry-level positions to $65.70 for top earners in the field. Hourly wages provide flexibility and can especially benefit those who work in various specialties, including cardiology and obstetrics, where the skill level can often correlate directly with pay.
About the Louisville Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.72 | $245.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.47 | $299.76 |
| Median (P50) | $47.44 | $379.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.55 | $428.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.70 | $525.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Louisville
Based on $47.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.44/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Louisville, KY can expect to earn approximately $98,673 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,927. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Louisville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Louisville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,897.55 | $8,223 | $98,673 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,138.53 | $4,934 | $59,204 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $759.02 | $3,289 | $39,469 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Louisville) | $47.44 |
| 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 Louisville, KY earn a median of $98,675 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.64% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 9.00% above the Kentucky state average of $90,528.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.44/hr = $59,204/year (purchasing power: $66,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,673/year (purchasing power: $110,496).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Louisville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Louisville grew 30.0% from $34.79/hr (2019) to $45.21/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.78/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 Louisville 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 Louisville
Exploring the financial realities for part-time diagnostic medical sonographers reveals that working a 24-hour week can yield substantial earnings, creating distinct income pathways compared to full-time employment. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Louisville typically ranges from $55-$80/hr, with cardiac echo specialists often commanding between $70-$95/hr. Travel sonography contracts can be even more lucrative, generally offering $2,000-$3,200 weekly, giving those who are open to mobility an attractive option. Furthermore, hourly rates can vary significantly depending on the employer type; hospitals, outpatient centers, and OB-GYN practices may offer different compensation structures. Many professionals must balance the trade-off between hourly wages and benefits like health insurance, opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for stability. To negotiate effectively in the Louisville market, understanding the pay scales across sectors and emphasizing specialized credentialing from organizations like ARDMS can be advantageous.
More salary data for Louisville, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Louisville in 2026?
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Related Pages
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Career Resources
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 Louisville. 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 Louisville 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