Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $45.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Missoula, MT runs $45.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,349 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.2, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,213 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Missoula, Montana, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $45.84, which is slightly lower than the national median of $48.73. This rate positions Missoula’s sonographers in a competitive yet challenging environment, especially for those working part-time, typically in hospital ultrasound suites or outpatient imaging centers. For instance, a three-day work week can offer around $3,500 monthly before taxes, while per-diem workers might find themselves in varied settings such as OB-GYN exam rooms and cardiology practices, earning between $33.29 and $61.50 per hour. The difference between entry-level and more experienced practitioners offers a substantial range, enhancing both the career appeal and earning potential in the field.
About the Missoula Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.29 | $266.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.66 | $309.25 |
| Median (P50) | $45.84 | $366.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.02 | $408.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.50 | $492.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $45.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.84/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $95,355 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,013. With a cost-of-living index of 96.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,833.76 | $7,946 | $95,355 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,100.25 | $4,768 | $57,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $733.50 | $3,179 | $38,142 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Missoula) | $45.84 |
| 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 Missoula, MT earn a median of $95,349 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.92% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.20% below the Montana state average of $97,494.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.84/hr = $57,213/year (purchasing power: $59,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,355/year (purchasing power: $99,122).
CoL index: 96.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Missoula grew 30.0% from $33.62/hr (2019) to $43.69/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.10/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 Missoula 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 Missoula
For part-time diagnostic medical sonographers working in Missoula, the financial outlook can be favorable, as those on a three-day work schedule may anticipate an estimated annual income that reflects their hourly rate. On the other hand, per-diem positions present a different dynamic. Many per diem diagnostic medical sonographers bill rates ranging from $55 to $80 hourly in regular roles, with cardiac echo specialists commanding even higher pay, at $70 to $95. Additionally, travel sonography contracts can provide substantial weekly earnings between $2,000 and $3,200, particularly in high-demand specialties like cardiac and vascular procedures. Despite the temptation of higher hourly wages, some professionals choose positions that offer health benefits, leading to a potential trade-off in pay. For those seeking to negotiate their hourly rate in Missoula, understanding the prevailing wages across various employment types—hospitals, outpatient centers, and mobile imaging companies—can provide leverage in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Missoula in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Missoula?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Missoula paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Missoula?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Missoula?
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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 Missoula. 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 Missoula 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