Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $55.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Boston, MA runs $55.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,584 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.3, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,750 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Boston, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at an impressive $55.09, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $48.73. This competitive rate provides a robust opportunity for both full-time and part-time workers. Those opting for part-time schedules, such as three days a week, can still earn a substantial income working in various settings, including hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers. The hourly range for diagnostic medical sonographers in this city projects between $49.77 at the entry level and up to $68.51 for the top earners, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in a city with a cost of living index of 108.266. This information is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.77 | $398.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52.50 | $419.97 |
| Median (P50) | $55.09 | $440.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65.43 | $523.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.51 | $548.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $55.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $55.09/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $114,584 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,106. With a cost-of-living index of 108.27 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,203.53 | $9,549 | $114,584 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,322.12 | $5,729 | $68,750 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $881.41 | $3,819 | $45,833 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Boston) | $55.09 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $114,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.06% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 4.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $109,965.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $55.09/hr = $68,750/year (purchasing power: $63,501).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,584/year (purchasing power: $105,835).
CoL index: 108.266 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$55.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $45.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston grew 25.1% from $41.98/hr (2019) to $52.50/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.80/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 Boston 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 Boston
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston can expect to earn a notable income, with a typical three-day workweek amounting to 24 hours, translating to an annual income of around $68,713. This figure is quite competitive compared to full-time wages, highlighting the potential of the profession's flexibility. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Boston often ranges between $55 and $80 per hour, with those specializing in cardiac echo sometimes reaching $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts can be even more lucrative, with some positions offering between $2,000 and $3,200 a week, particularly for cardiac and vascular specialties. The hourly rate can vary among employer types such as hospitals, outpatient centers, and private practices, affecting the overall compensation package that often involves considerations on health insurance benefits. While some professionals may accept lower hourly wages for comprehensive benefits, others might prioritize higher rates from agency or locum work. To effectively negotiate hourly pay, aspiring sonographers should research salary trends, highlight their ARDMS or specialty credentials, and be prepared to discuss their skills relevant to the specific needs of potential employers in the Boston area.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 Boston. 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