Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Gaithersburg, MD: $53.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Gaithersburg, MD runs $53.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Gaithersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.3, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,956 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Gaithersburg, MD, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $53.65 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $48.73. This advantageous rate allows for attractive earning potential, especially for those working part-time, such as professionals on a three-day work week who could expect to generate substantial income while maintaining a work-life balance. The hourly pay for these medical professionals ranges from $37.22 at entry-level positions to $69.66 for top earners, providing opportunities across various settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. These figures are derived from general annual salary data, but they illustrate the real-time financial prospects for diagnostic medical sonographers in the region.
About the Gaithersburg 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) | $37.22 | $297.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.93 | $351.47 |
| Median (P50) | $53.65 | $429.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.65 | $477.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69.66 | $557.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gaithersburg
Based on $53.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.65/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gaithersburg, MD can expect to earn approximately $111,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,381. With a cost-of-living index of 109.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Gaithersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gaithersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,146.03 | $9,299 | $111,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,287.62 | $5,580 | $66,956 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $858.41 | $3,720 | $44,637 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Gaithersburg) | $53.65 |
| 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 Gaithersburg, MD earn a median of $111,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.10% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.70% above the Maryland state average of $110,811.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.65/hr = $66,956/year (purchasing power: $61,259).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,593/year (purchasing power: $102,098).
CoL index: 109.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Gaithersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Gaithersburg grew 30.0% from $39.34/hr (2019) to $51.13/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.30/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 Gaithersburg 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 Gaithersburg
Consider the financial outcomes for those opting for part-time or per-diem work. A diagnostic medical sonographer, working 24 hours a week, might take home a respectable income, maintaining flexibility while still contributing positively to their financial health. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Gaithersburg typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, particularly for specialized roles in cardiac echo, which can command rates of $70 to $95. Those who choose travel sonography contracts may achieve even higher earnings, with weekly pay reaching between $2,000 and $3,200. However, it is crucial to recognize that hourly rates can vary dramatically depending on the employer type. For instance, hospitals may provide more stability but lower rates than private outpatient centers, which often pay more but lack the benefits associated with full-time positions. Understanding these trade-offs, including the potential for higher rates without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance, is essential for anyone navigating career options in Gaithersburg. For those negotiating hourly pay, presenting credentials such as RDMS, RDCS, or RVT can enhance leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Gaithersburg, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Gaithersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Gaithersburg?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Gaithersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Gaithersburg?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Gaithersburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 Gaithersburg. 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 Gaithersburg 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