Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $38.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Natchitoches, LA runs $38.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,243 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, the hourly pay for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to be $38.66 in 2026. This figure is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73, highlighting a local discrepancy in compensation. This hourly rate impacts part-time and per-diem workers who typically operate in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile imaging vans, and various specialized medical practices. With an hourly range between $30.11 at entry-level positions and up to $49.22 for experienced professionals, the earnings may vary based on experience and specific job settings. These figures are derived from estimated annual salaries, and they underscore the importance of understanding local compensation dynamics as prospective sonographers enter the workforce.
About the Natchitoches 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) | $30.11 | $240.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.93 | $271.47 |
| Median (P50) | $38.66 | $309.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.57 | $324.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.22 | $393.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $38.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.66/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $80,405 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,387. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,546.25 | $6,700 | $80,405 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $927.75 | $4,020 | $48,243 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $618.50 | $2,680 | $32,162 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Natchitoches) | $38.66 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $80,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.66% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $86,097.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.66/hr = $48,243/year (purchasing power: $53,425).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,405/year (purchasing power: $89,042).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Natchitoches grew 30.0% from $28.35/hr (2019) to $36.84/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.56/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
Regarding part-time opportunities in Natchitoches, a diagnostic medical sonographer working three days a week, or 24 hours, can expect an estimated annual income that reflects their hourly rates. This translates to consistent income, yet it's important to consider the variations in per-diem pay, where such sonographers may command between $55 and $80 per hour. Specialized skills, particularly in cardiac echo, boost per-diem rates to $70-$95, with travel contracts offering lucrative weekly earnings between $2,000 and $3,200. Those in diverse employer types such as outpatient clinics or mobile imaging services often find distinct pay structures, balancing between higher hourly rates without benefits and more stable positions that offer health insurance. This nuance leads to negotiation considerations in hourly arrangements, compelling professionals to assess their priorities, like the trade-off between hourly pay and job security, particularly within the current evolving imaging landscape in LA.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Natchitoches in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Natchitoches?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Natchitoches paid hourly or salary?
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Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Natchitoches?
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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 Natchitoches. 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 Natchitoches 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