Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Frederick, MD: $52.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Frederick, MD runs $52.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,376 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Frederick's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,031 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Frederick, Maryland, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $52.11, which exceeds the national median of $48.73 by a noteworthy margin. This competitive hourly wage is particularly advantageous for both part-time and per-diem workers, as those operating in various settings—such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology labs—benefit from flexible schedules. Entry-level sonographers earn approximately $37.88 per hour, while top earners in Frederick can command rates up to $71.85 per hour, illustrating the financial progression within the field. Hourly rates play a crucial role in shaping employment choices and lifestyles, with many professionals valuing income potential across diverse healthcare environments.
About the Frederick Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.88 | $303.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.97 | $351.73 |
| Median (P50) | $52.11 | $416.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.15 | $473.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.85 | $574.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Frederick
Based on $52.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.11/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Frederick, MD can expect to earn approximately $108,385 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,530. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Frederick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Frederick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,084.33 | $9,032 | $108,385 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,250.60 | $5,419 | $65,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $833.73 | $3,613 | $43,354 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Frederick) | $52.11 |
| 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 Frederick, MD earn a median of $108,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.20% below the Maryland state average of $110,814.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.11/hr = $65,031/year (purchasing power: $59,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,385/year (purchasing power: $99,163).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Frederick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Frederick grew 30.0% from $38.21/hr (2019) to $49.66/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.68/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 Frederick 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 Frederick
Considering a part-time schedule of three days a week, a diagnostic medical sonographer in Frederick can expect to earn around $52,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart, yet still providing a viable income. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Frederick shows a range where professionals typically bill between $55 to $80 per hour, and specialized fields like cardiac ultrasound can go even higher, fetching rates of $70 to $95 per hour. Furthermore, travel sonography contracts present lucrative weekly earnings, ranging from $2,000 to $3,200. Hourly pay varies significantly by employer type; those in hospital imaging departments may earn less than their counterparts in private outpatient centers or mobile imaging services. While some sonographers might prefer lower hourly wages for the security of benefits, others may opt for the higher rates without insurance, engaging in negotiation strategies that emphasize their specialized training and credentials. This nuanced understanding of pay can guide both entry-level and experienced sonographers in Frederick as they navigate their career pathways.
More salary data for Frederick, MD:
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 Frederick. 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 Frederick 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