Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Monroe, LA: $42.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Monroe, LA runs $42.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,107 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Monroe's regional price level (BEA RPP 83.6, 16% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,468 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Monroe, Louisiana, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median of $42.84, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate can significantly influence the earning potential for part-time or per diem workers, who typically find employment in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging services. For those working just three days a week, this rate translates to a solid income, while entry-level sonographers may start around $32.43 per hour, whereas top earners can make up to $48.08 per hour, as projected for 2026. These numbers are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the professional landscape for diagnostic medical sonographers in Monroe.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.43 | $259.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.06 | $328.47 |
| Median (P50) | $42.84 | $342.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.81 | $382.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.08 | $384.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Monroe
Based on $42.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.84/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Monroe, LA can expect to earn approximately $89,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,412. With a cost-of-living index of 83.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Monroe.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Monroe
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,713.72 | $7,426 | $89,113 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,028.23 | $4,456 | $53,468 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $685.49 | $2,970 | $35,645 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Monroe) | $42.84 |
| 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 Monroe, LA earn a median of $89,107 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.08% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.50% above the Louisiana state average of $86,093.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.84/hr = $53,468/year (purchasing power: $63,959).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,113/year (purchasing power: $106,599).
CoL index: 83.597 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+66.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Monroe (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 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Monroe grew 51.5% from $26.95/hr (2019) to $40.83/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.96/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 Monroe 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 Monroe
Analyzing the earning dynamics reveals that part-time diagnostic medical sonographers averaging 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $53,217 annually, which is a considerable sum compared to full-time counterparts. Those opting for per diem work often see a higher hourly pay, typically billing between $55 and $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists potentially earning $70 to $95 per hour. Travel sonography contracts may also yield impressive weekly pay between $2,000 and $3,200, particularly for specialty positions in cardiac and vascular practices. Rates can vary among different employer types, with hospital imaging environments often offering more stable hourly pay, while outpatient centers, OB-GYN, and cardiology practices can provide varied compensation packages. Some diagnostic medical sonographers trade off lower hourly wages for the stability of health insurance benefits, while others prefer positions with higher hourly rates but no benefits. Negotiating effectively in this market significantly impacts the final pay, making it vital for professionals in Monroe to articulate their value within the evolving healthcare framework.
More salary data for Monroe, 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 Monroe. 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