Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in South Portland, ME: $50.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in South Portland, ME runs $50.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,798 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against South Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,473 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, ME, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $50.86 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.73. This attractive hourly wage provides a solid foundation for both full-time positions and part-time opportunities, particularly for those seeking flexible schedules such as three days a week. Part-time employees can expect to earn a competitive income, especially in various settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices. For sonographers at entry-level positions, the hourly pay starts around $38.53, while experienced professionals can earn up to $66.98, illustrating the career's potential for salary advancement based on experience and specialized skills.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.53 | $308.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.92 | $343.33 |
| Median (P50) | $50.86 | $406.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.22 | $449.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.98 | $535.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in South Portland
Based on $50.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.86/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in South Portland, ME can expect to earn approximately $105,788 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,031. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in South Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in South Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,034.38 | $8,816 | $105,788 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,220.63 | $5,289 | $63,473 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $813.75 | $3,526 | $42,315 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (South Portland) | $50.86 |
| 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 South Portland, ME earn a median of $105,798 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.39% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 4.80% above the Maine state average of $100,952.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.86/hr = $63,473/year (purchasing power: $63,728).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,788/year (purchasing power: $106,213).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.37/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in South Portland grew 30.0% from $37.29/hr (2019) to $48.47/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.37/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 South Portland 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 South Portland
Considering the financial landscape for diagnostic medical sonographers in South Portland, the potential for part-time earnings can be quite favorable. A sonographer working three days a week for 24 hours total could realistically take home approximately $63,000 annually, compared to full-time counterparts. The per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in South Portland typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiac echo commanding even higher rates, often between $70 and $95. Travel sonography contracts could offer earnings of $2,000 to $3,200 a week, creating enticing options for those willing to work on a locum basis. However, it’s vital to recognize that hourly rates can differ significantly depending on the employer type, such as hospitals versus outpatient centers. Moreover, some professionals may accept lower hourly rates for the security of benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher pay without additional perks. Effective negotiation skills are crucial for hourly roles, especially in a competitive market like South Portland.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in South Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in South Portland?
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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 South Portland. 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 South Portland 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