Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $52.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Watertown, MA runs $52.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $108,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,123 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Watertown, Massachusetts, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly rate of $52.18, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.73. This competitive pay reflects the local demand for trained professionals in a variety of settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. Part-time and per-diem workers, such as those operating in OB-GYN or cardiology practices, can find flexible schedules appealing and have earning possibilities that range from $37.33 for entry-level positions to as high as $65.86 for experienced sonographers. These hourly pay estimates are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, suggesting that Watertown offers a desirable pay structure for those entering the field or working on a per-diem basis.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($104,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.33 | $298.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.41 | $363.31 |
| Median (P50) | $52.18 | $417.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.95 | $447.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.86 | $526.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $52.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.18/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $108,538 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,618. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,087.27 | $9,045 | $108,538 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,252.36 | $5,427 | $65,123 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $834.91 | $3,618 | $43,415 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Watertown) | $52.18 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $108,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.09% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $109,970.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.18/hr = $65,123/year (purchasing power: $60,021).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $108,538/year (purchasing power: $100,035).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $53.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Watertown grew 30.0% from $38.26/hr (2019) to $49.73/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $54.75/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
For those who choose part-time work, such as a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours, the annual earnings can vary significantly. In Watertown, a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer might take home around $61,018, whereas full-time counterparts earning a full 40-hour week report over $108,541 annually. The per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Watertown can be quite lucrative, with many professionals billing between $55 and $80 per hour; those specializing in cardiac echo may see as much as $70 to $95 per hour. Moreover, travel sonography opportunities present another lucrative avenue, with weekly contracts generally falling between $2,000 and $3,200, especially in high-demand specialties like cardiac and vascular sonography. As sonographers weigh their options among employers, many find that outpatient imaging centers, private practices, and mobile imaging companies may offer varying pay scales but often with less in the way of benefits compared to hospitals. When negotiating hourly pay, it’s helpful for professionals to present their credentials, such as RDMS or RVT certifications from ARDMS, and to consider the shift flexibility and location as key factors in discussions.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Watertown?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Watertown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Watertown?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Watertown?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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