Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Central, LA: $39.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Central, LA runs $39.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,667 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Central's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Central, Louisiana, the forecasted diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is set at $39.75, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This discrepancy suggests that sonographers in Central may face some financial constraints, particularly if they work in traditional settings such as hospital ultrasound suites or outpatient imaging centers. Part-time positions, often limited to three days a week, would translate to approximately $758 weekly and are appealing for those seeking flexibility. The hourly rates in this field range from the entry level pay of $29.76 to top earners who can command up to $51.92. While these figures are reflective of annual salary data, they highlight the potential earning landscape for diagnostic medical sonographers in Central, LA.
About the Central Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.76 | $238.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.15 | $273.24 |
| Median (P50) | $39.75 | $317.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.68 | $349.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.92 | $415.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Central
Based on $39.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.75/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Central, LA can expect to earn approximately $82,675 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,697. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Central.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Central
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,589.90 | $6,890 | $82,675 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $953.94 | $4,134 | $49,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $635.96 | $2,756 | $33,070 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Central) | $39.75 |
| 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 Central, LA earn a median of $82,667 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.44% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.90% below the Louisiana state average of $86,022.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.75/hr = $49,605/year (purchasing power: $54,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,675/year (purchasing power: $91,556).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Central (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Central grew 30.0% from $29.15/hr (2019) to $37.88/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.71/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 Central 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 Central
Exploring part-time earnings further reveals significant differences compared to full-time work. A diagnostic medical sonographer working three days a week would earn approximately $39,432 annually versus the full-time potential of nearly $82,667. In addition, per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Central can significantly exceed hourly rates of full-time positions, with agencies often billing rates from $55 to $80 per hour, and specialized cardiac echo sonographers earning up to $95 per hour. The earnings vary widely depending on the type of employer—hospital imaging departments, outpatient imaging centers like RadNet, and travel agencies all feature distinct pay scales. While some may choose lower hourly rates for the stability of health benefits, others may pursue higher-paying per diem opportunities that offer greater flexibility. Negotiating effectively is crucial; understanding local average rates and specializing in high-demand areas like cardiac or vascular sonography can significantly enhance earning potential in Central, LA.
More salary data for Central, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Central. 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 Central 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