Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Lake Charles, LA: $40.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Lake Charles, LA runs $40.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,937 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lake Charles's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,967 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake Charles, Louisiana, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly rate of $40.84, which is lower than the national median of $48.73. This figure reflects the local market dynamics and influences the earnings potential for part-time and per-diem workers in typical settings such as outpatient imaging centers, hospital ultrasound suites, and OB-GYN practices. Sonographers in entry-level positions can expect to make around $30.26 per hour, while top earners in the field may achieve rates up to $55.54. This structured hourly pay scale showcases a variety of opportunities for professionals who are pursuing flexible work schedules or additional income through per-diem positions as they navigate their careers in Lake Charles.
About the Lake Charles 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) | $30.26 | $242.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.89 | $279.11 |
| Median (P50) | $40.84 | $326.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.90 | $367.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.54 | $444.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Charles
Based on $40.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.84/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Charles, LA can expect to earn approximately $84,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,007. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lake Charles.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Charles
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,633.55 | $7,079 | $84,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $980.13 | $4,247 | $50,967 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $653.42 | $2,831 | $33,978 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Lake Charles) | $40.84 |
| 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 Lake Charles, LA earn a median of $84,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.20% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.30% below the Louisiana state average of $86,055.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.84/hr = $50,967/year (purchasing power: $56,442).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,945/year (purchasing power: $94,069).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+52.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lake Charles (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lake Charles grew 38.5% from $28.11/hr (2019) to $38.92/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.85/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 Lake Charles 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 Lake Charles
When examining the income potential for a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working three days a week, their annual earnings could significantly differ from full-time counterparts. With an estimated annual per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Lake Charles ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, those in specialized roles like cardiac echo may even command $70 to $95 per hour. This variability not only highlights substantial per-diem income opportunities but also reveals the nuances of hourly rates depending on the type of employer—ranging from hospitals to mobile imaging companies. However, many sonographers face a decision between accepting lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance versus pursuing higher rates but with fewer perks. To navigate this landscape effectively, it’s advisable for hourly workers to negotiate terms that work best for their financial and professional aspirations, considering the competitive nature of the job market in LA.
More salary data for Lake Charles, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lake Charles in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Lake Charles?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Lake Charles paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Lake Charles?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Lake Charles?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Lake Charles. 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 Lake Charles 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