Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Reno, NV: $54.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Reno, NV runs $54.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,303 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Reno's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $53.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,978 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reno, Nevada, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is pegged at a robust $54.47, surpassing the national hourly median of $48.73 by a significant margin. This elevated hourly rate creates appealing opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers within various healthcare settings. A sonographer working three days a week could structure their schedule around 24 hours, allowing for a more flexible work-life balance. The hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer ranges from $35.66 for entry-level positions to $67.22 for the most experienced practitioners. This data, derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlights the competitive edge of Reno in attracting professionals in the field.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.66 | $285.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.23 | $385.81 |
| Median (P50) | $54.47 | $435.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.22 | $537.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.22 | $537.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reno
Based on $54.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.47/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reno, NV can expect to earn approximately $113,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,363. With a cost-of-living index of 101.01 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,178.77 | $9,441 | $113,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,307.26 | $5,665 | $67,978 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $871.51 | $3,777 | $45,318 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Reno) | $54.47 |
| 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 Reno, NV earn a median of $113,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.79% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 13.70% above the Nevada state average of $99,651.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.47/hr = $67,978/year (purchasing power: $67,295).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,296/year (purchasing power: $112,159).
CoL index: 101.014 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$42.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Reno grew 21.6% from $42.68/hr (2019) to $51.91/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.15/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 Reno 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 Reno
Considering part-time work, a diagnostic medical sonographer in Reno working 24 hours weekly might take home a significant income, accumulating substantial savings even at part-time levels compared to full-time commitments. For those engaging in per diem work, the earning potential is particularly lucrative, with rates typically billed between $55 and $80 per hour. Cardiac echo specialists often earn even higher, securing $70 to $95 per hour, whereas travel contracts can yield weekly compensation in the realm of $2,000 to $3,200, especially for vascular and cardiac roles. The variability in hourly rates depends significantly on the employer as well; hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers such as RadNet and SimonMed, and private practices all offer different compensation structures. Some professionals may prefer higher hourly wages with fewer benefits, while others might choose stable employment with health insurance. For those in Reno, practical negotiation around hourly pay—including understanding market rates and aligning them with desired contracting arrangements—can be essential for maximizing earning potential in this growing field.
More salary data for Reno, NV:
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 Reno. 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, 7-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