Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Worcester, MA: $52.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Worcester, MA runs $52.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,285 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Worcester's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,568 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Worcester, Massachusetts, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at $52.54, which exceeds the national hourly median of $48.73. This competitive rate reflects the importance of diagnostic medical sonographers across various healthcare settings, such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices. For those working in part-time capacities, such as three-day work weeks, or opting for per-diem opportunities, this hourly figure can significantly affect their financial stability and flexibility. Entry-level sonographers might expect to earn around $49.35 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can command up to $67.12, demonstrating the income growth potential as experience and specialization in areas such as cardiac echo or vascular procedures increase.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.35 | $394.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.15 | $401.17 |
| Median (P50) | $52.54 | $420.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62.12 | $496.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.12 | $536.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Worcester
Based on $52.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.54/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Worcester, MA can expect to earn approximately $109,280 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,046. With a cost-of-living index of 102.52 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Worcester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Worcester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,101.54 | $9,107 | $109,280 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,260.92 | $5,464 | $65,568 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $840.62 | $3,643 | $43,712 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Worcester) | $52.54 |
| 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 Worcester, MA earn a median of $109,285 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.83% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.60% below the Massachusetts state average of $109,944.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.54/hr = $65,568/year (purchasing power: $63,954).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,280/year (purchasing power: $106,591).
CoL index: 102.523 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$37.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Worcester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Worcester grew 33.9% from $37.39/hr (2019) to $50.07/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.13/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 Worcester 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 Worcester
Earning potential varies greatly for part-time diagnostic medical sonographers compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, a three-day work week totaling 24 hours could yield an annual income around $61,596, contrasting sharply with a full-time salary. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Worcester can range from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized cardiac echocardiograms achieving rates of $70 to $95 per hour. Moreover, travel contracts can offer remarkable weekly earnings of $2,000 to $3,200, especially for cardiac and vascular sonographers. The diversity in pay across workplaces—be it hospitals, outpatient centers, or mobile imaging services—often reflects a trade-off between hourly wages and benefits like health insurance. Those navigating the local job market should collaboratively negotiate pay based on their skillset, ensuring they consider both overall compensation and personal job satisfaction in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector.
More salary data for Worcester, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Worcester in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Worcester?
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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 Worcester. 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, 6-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