Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Columbus, MS: $39.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Columbus, MS runs $39.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,676 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Columbus's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,002 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Columbus, Mississippi, can expect a median hourly pay of $39.26 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.73, indicating that local pay rates may reflect distinctive market conditions. For part-time employees working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to approximately $31,000 annually, which may appeal to those seeking flexible schedules in various healthcare settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices. The hourly pay range for sonographers in the area stretches from $27.84 (entry-level, or 10th percentile) to $48.02 (90th percentile for the highest earners), highlighting the potential for growth in this field as experience and specialization in areas such as cardiac echo increase.
About the Columbus Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.84 | $222.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.76 | $278.11 |
| Median (P50) | $39.26 | $314.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.55 | $332.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.02 | $384.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbus
Based on $39.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.26/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbus, MS can expect to earn approximately $81,671 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,118. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbus.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbus
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,570.59 | $6,806 | $81,671 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $942.36 | $4,084 | $49,002 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.24 | $2,722 | $32,668 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Columbus) | $39.26 |
| 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 Columbus, MS earn a median of $81,676 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.41% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.00% below the Mississippi state average of $86,890.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.26/hr = $49,002/year (purchasing power: $57,179).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,671/year (purchasing power: $95,298).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Columbus (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Columbus grew 30.0% from $28.79/hr (2019) to $37.42/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.20/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 Columbus 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 Columbus
For those opting for per-diem or agency work, the earning potential may be significantly higher. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers can command rates between $55 and $80 an hour, with cardiac echo specialists potentially earning between $70 and $95. Additionally, travel contracts can yield weekly payments of $2,000 to $3,200, particularly for cardiac and vascular imaging roles. In Columbus, earnings also vary by employer type—hospital imaging departments typically offer more stable positions with benefits, while outpatient centers or mobile imaging companies may provide less predictable hours but compensate with higher hourly rates. As part of their employment strategy, many sonographers must weigh the benefits of comprehensive healthcare coverage against the advantages of higher pay rates that come without benefits. Those negotiating hourly pay in the area should be aware of these dynamics and aim to highlight their qualifications, including any specialty credentials from ARDMS like RDMS or RDCS, to secure better compensation.
More salary data for Columbus, MS:
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 Columbus. 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 Columbus 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