Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Norfolk, NE: $41.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Norfolk, NE runs $41.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,818 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Nebraska, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect a median hourly rate of $41.52, which falls short of the national median hourly pay of $48.73. This discrepancy highlights the local economic factors influencing compensation in healthcare. For those considering part-time work—typically three days a week—this hourly rate translates into a steady income, offering flexibility while still providing essential imaging services in various clinical settings, including hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers. The hourly range for this profession in Norfolk varies widely, from $32.11 for entry-level positions to $52.60 for experienced sonographers, reflecting the potential for career advancement and specialization.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.11 | $256.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.26 | $290.11 |
| Median (P50) | $41.52 | $332.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.94 | $359.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.60 | $420.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $41.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.52/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, NE can expect to earn approximately $86,363 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,825. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,660.83 | $7,197 | $86,363 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $996.50 | $4,318 | $51,818 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $664.33 | $2,879 | $34,545 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Norfolk) | $41.52 |
| 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 Norfolk, NE earn a median of $86,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.78% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.90% below the Nebraska state average of $92,769.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.52/hr = $51,818/year (purchasing power: $56,632).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,363/year (purchasing power: $94,386).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Norfolk grew 30.0% from $30.45/hr (2019) to $39.57/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.57/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
Part-time diagnostic medical sonographers working just three days a week can earn a consistent income, equating to about $51,928 annually based on 24-hour work weeks. In contrast, traveling or per diem opportunities present the chance to earn significantly more. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Norfolk can bill rates between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialization in cardiac echo reaching up to $95 per hour. For those in travel contracts, weekly earnings can soar to between $2,000 and $3,200, especially in high-demand specialties like cardiac and vascular sonography. Hourly rates can also differ based on practice type, whether in a hospital setting, outpatient center, or private practice, leading some to choose lower-paying roles for the benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay, professionals in Norfolk should consider both their specialty credentials from ARDMS and the necessitated flexibility that positions like per diem provide.
More salary data for Norfolk, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Norfolk?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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