Sonographer Pay

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.

$114,584
Median Annual Salary
$55.09/hr
Hourly Rate
$103,524
Entry Level (P10)
$142,505
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Rate in Boston, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Boston, MA diagnostic medical sonographer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 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.

Horizontal bars showing a diagnostic medical sonographer in Boston earning $55.09/hr would make approximately $66,106 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $114,584 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$66,106Reduced (32 hr/wk)$88,141Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$114,584

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.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$440.71
per 8hr shift
$2,203.53
per week
$9,549
per month
$114,584
per year

Schedule Comparison in Boston

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
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

RoleMedian 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
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Boston ($114,584) with Massachusetts average ($109,965) and the US national median ($101,352).Boston$114,584Massachusetts Avg$109,965+4.20%US National$101,352+13.06%

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston. Baseline $41.98/hr in 2025, projected to $57.80/hr by 2027.$39$44$50$55$612019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$41.98$42.56$45.85$47.10$47.50$50.28$52.50$55.09$57.80
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$41.98/hrActual
2020$42.56/hrActual
2021$45.85/hrActual
2022$47.10/hrActual
2023$47.50/hrActual
2024$50.28/hrActual
2025$52.50/hrActual
2026(current)$55.09/hrEstimated
2027$57.80/hrProjected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston is $55.09/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $49.77 at entry level (10th percentile) to $68.51 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 13.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Boston?

A part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Boston earns approximately $5,729/month, or $68,750/year at the median hourly rate of $55.09. Many diagnostic medical sonographers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston paid hourly or salary?

The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston are paid hourly at a median rate of $55.09/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $114,584/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Boston?

A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Boston earns approximately $114,584/year at the median hourly rate of $55.09. This is 13.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $142,498/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Boston?

Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Boston sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $68.51/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Massachusetts

AK

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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

Last verified: