Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Bedford, NH: $49.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Bedford, NH runs $49.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,425 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $45.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,456 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bedford, New Hampshire, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly rate of $49.24, which surpasses the national median of $48.73. This competitive hourly pay offers attractive prospects for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in environments such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, cardiology echo labs, and mobile imaging vans. Those entering the field can expect starting wages around $34.83 per hour, while seasoned professionals may earn as much as $63.42 as they approach the top of the pay scale. The hourly compensation structure provides flexible earning opportunities, allowing skilled sonographers to balance their schedules with varied work commitments, including part-time roles typically spanning three days a week.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.83 | $278.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.69 | $349.54 |
| Median (P50) | $49.24 | $393.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.94 | $431.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.42 | $507.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bedford
Based on $49.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.24/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bedford, NH can expect to earn approximately $102,427 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,092. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,969.75 | $8,536 | $102,427 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,181.85 | $5,121 | $61,456 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $787.90 | $3,414 | $40,971 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Bedford) | $49.24 |
| 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 Bedford, NH earn a median of $102,425 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $108,732.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.24/hr = $61,456/year (purchasing power: $57,275).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,427/year (purchasing power: $95,458).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Bedford grew 30.0% from $36.11/hr (2019) to $46.93/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.67/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 Bedford 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 Bedford
When analyzing the earning potential for a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week in Bedford, the annual take-home could be significantly lower compared to those in full-time positions, impacting overall financial stability. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Bedford is often higher, ranging from $55 to $80 per hour. Specifically, those specializing in cardiac echo can command rates between $70 and $95 hourly, and travel sonography arrangements can yield weekly contracts from $2,000 to $3,200, especially for cardiac and vascular positions. With varied compensation across different types of employers—be it hospitals, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, or OB-GYN and vascular practices—sonographers might face a trade-off between opting for higher hourly rates with minimal benefits versus lower rates that come with health insurance and other perks. Negotiating effectively is essential, particularly within Bedford’s evolving medical imaging landscape, where securing a favorable hourly rate can lead to substantial financial benefits and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Bedford?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Bedford 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 Bedford. 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 Bedford 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