Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Alexandria, LA: $41.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Alexandria, LA runs $41.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,378 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,831 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Alexandria, Louisiana, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay averages $41.53, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73 per hour. This can significantly impact various types of work arrangements in the field, particularly for part-time positions or those looking for per-diem opportunities. For instance, a sonographer working three days a week in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology labs can expect a steady income, albeit at a lower rate compared to their counterparts in higher-paying regions. The entry-level hourly wage starts around $24.62, while those at the top of the scale can earn up to $46.58. This data reflects official BLS figures projected for 2026, providing a clear picture of the pay landscape for those entering or advancing in the profession.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.62 | $196.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.70 | $301.61 |
| Median (P50) | $41.53 | $332.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.11 | $360.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.58 | $372.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $41.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.53/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, LA can expect to earn approximately $86,385 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,838. With a cost-of-living index of 85.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,661.25 | $7,199 | $86,385 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.75 | $4,319 | $51,831 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.50 | $2,880 | $34,554 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Alexandria) | $41.53 |
| 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 Alexandria, LA earn a median of $86,378 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.77% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.40% above the Louisiana state average of $86,034.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.53/hr = $51,831/year (purchasing power: $60,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,385/year (purchasing power: $100,816).
CoL index: 85.686 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+61.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.58/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Alexandria grew 46.9% from $26.95/hr (2019) to $39.58/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.58/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
When analyzing the part-time earnings of a diagnostic medical sonographer in Alexandria, it becomes evident that working approximately 24 hours each week can yield a significant annual take-home income, yet it remains less than what full-time employment would provide. Per-diem arrangements offer an attractive alternative, allowing for potential pay ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, particularly for specialized areas like cardiac echo, which can command even higher rates. In Alexandria, different employer types—such as hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging companies—can influence pay dynamics, with outpatient chains like RadNet and SimonMed offering competitive compensation. However, many sonographers face a choice between hourly rates and benefits, often navigating the balance of lower hourly pay with the security of health insurance. Consequently, understanding negotiation strategies tailored to the healthcare market in Alexandria is vital for both new graduates and seasoned professionals aiming to maximize their earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Alexandria, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Alexandria in 2026?
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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 Alexandria. 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