Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $50.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Rochester, MN runs $50.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,738 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.8, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,447 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $50.84, which surpasses the national median of $48.73. This competitive hourly compensation reflects the demand for skilled professionals in various settings, including hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology practices. With an hourly range spanning from $41.31 for entry-level positions up to $60.65 for top earners, the pay structure accommodates those working part-time—often scheduled for three days a week—as well as per-diem workers. These roles typically exist in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, OB-GYN exam rooms, and vascular lab procedure rooms, where sonographers play a key role in patient diagnosis and care. These figures are derived from data based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, ensuring they reflect current employment realities in the region.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.31 | $330.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47.43 | $379.43 |
| Median (P50) | $50.84 | $406.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.15 | $473.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.65 | $485.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $50.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.84/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $105,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,006. With a cost-of-living index of 90.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,033.54 | $8,812 | $105,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,220.13 | $5,287 | $63,447 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $813.42 | $3,525 | $42,298 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Rochester) | $50.84 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $105,738 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.33% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 5.90% above the Minnesota state average of $99,847.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.84/hr = $63,447/year (purchasing power: $69,859).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,744/year (purchasing power: $116,432).
CoL index: 90.821 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Rochester grew 21.2% from $39.96/hr (2019) to $48.45/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.34/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
The earning potential for a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Rochester can be significant. When working a typical 3-day week (24 hours), professionals can still take home a notable income, especially when considering that per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Rochester ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists frequently earning between $70 and $95. For those engaging in travel sonography contracts, compensation can be even more lucrative, with weekly rates reaching upwards of $2,000 to $3,200. Hourly rates do vary according to employer types; hospital imaging departments tend to offer steady wages, while outpatient centers and private practices might provide more flexibility but can also come with lower hourly pay. Many sonographers face the decision of whether to accept lower hourly wages that include benefits or opt for higher rates with no insurance. For those negotiating their hourly rate in Rochester, being aware of the local market trends and the conventional offerings from healthcare facilities can enhance leverage and lead to favorable outcomes.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Rochester in 2026?
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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 Rochester. 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