Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Hammond, LA: $39.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Hammond, LA runs $39.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,247 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.5, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,754 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hammond, Louisiana, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median of $39.07, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This rate reflects the income potential in various clinical settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile imaging vans, OB-GYN exam rooms, and cardiology echo labs. For sonographers working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a solid income, while those taking on per-diem roles can leverage higher hourly rates, especially in specialty areas. The pay range for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hammond varies from $36.97 for entry-level positions to $47.70 for top earners, as outlined in the latest estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.97 | $295.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.07 | $312.52 |
| Median (P50) | $39.07 | $312.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.39 | $371.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.70 | $381.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $39.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.07/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, LA can expect to earn approximately $81,256 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,879. With a cost-of-living index of 84.46 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,562.62 | $6,771 | $81,256 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.57 | $4,063 | $48,754 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.05 | $2,709 | $32,502 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Hammond) | $39.07 |
| 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 Hammond, LA earn a median of $81,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.84% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.60% below the Louisiana state average of $86,067.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.07/hr = $48,754/year (purchasing power: $57,724).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,256/year (purchasing power: $96,207).
CoL index: 84.46 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hammond grew 26.2% from $29.51/hr (2019) to $37.23/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.99/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
For those considering part-time work, a diagnostic medical sonographer operating three days a week, or 24 hours, can still secure a respectable income annually, in contrast to full-time counterparts. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Hammond can significantly increase, as these professionals often bill between $55 and $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists earning even higher rates, ranging from $70 to $95 per hour. Additionally, travel sonography contracts may offer between $2,000 and $3,200 a week, presenting lucrative opportunities for those willing to relocate. In Hammond, the hourly rates often differ based on the type of employer; for example, hospital imaging departments might offer more benefits while outpatient imaging centers may focus strictly on pay. This means that some sonographers might opt for lower hourly wages when benefits such as health insurance are provided, while others prioritize higher pay without benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, professionals should consider their certification status—like RDMS or RVT—as well as their level of experience in specialized areas to maximize earning potential.
More salary data for Hammond, 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 Hammond. 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, 5-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