Sonographer Pay

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $55.10 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Clifton, NJ runs $55.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $114,596 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,763 per year.

$114,596
Median Annual Salary
$55.10/hr
Hourly Rate
$83,888
Entry Level (P10)
$158,758
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Rate in Clifton, NJ — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Clifton, NJ diagnostic medical sonographer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton, NJ, earn a median hourly rate of $55.10, which exceeds the national median of $48.73 by over 13%. This competitive pay level positively impacts the job outlook for part-time and per diem professionals. For those working three days a week, typically 24 hours, this rate translates into a substantial income, allowing them to sustain a decent living while maintaining flexible work schedules. Hourly rates for sonographers in Clifton vary, ranging from $40.34 at entry-level positions to $76.33 for top earners, making it an appealing option for those considering outpatient imaging centers, mobile imaging services, or hospital roles. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, illustrating the diverse earning potential available in this healthcare profession.

About the Clifton Market

Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$40.34$322.68
Lower Range (P25)$46.70$373.63
Median (P50)$55.10$440.79
Upper Range (P75)$59.45$475.63
Top Earners (P90)$76.33$610.61

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton

Based on $55.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a diagnostic medical sonographer in Clifton earning $55.10/hr would make approximately $66,118 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $114,605 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$66,118Reduced (32 hr/wk)$88,158Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$114,605

At $55.10/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $114,605 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $66,118. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$440.79
per 8hr shift
$2,203.95
per week
$9,550
per month
$114,605
per year

Schedule Comparison in Clifton

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$2,203.95$9,550$114,605
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,322.37$5,730$68,763
Per Diem (16 hrs)$881.58$3,820$45,842

Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Clifton)$55.10
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Clifton ($114,596) with New Jersey average ($116,816) and the US national median ($101,352).Clifton$114,596New Jersey Avg$116,816-1.90%US National$101,352+13.07%

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $114,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $116,816.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $55.10/hr = $68,763/year (purchasing power: $59,690).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $114,605/year (purchasing power: $99,484).

CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$40.40/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$52.51/hr

2026 Current Est.

$55.10/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Clifton (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton. Baseline $40.40/hr in 2025, projected to $57.82/hr by 2027.$37$43$49$55$612019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$40.40$41.27$42.26$44.22$45.92$51.10$52.51$55.10$57.82
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$40.40/hrActual
2020$41.27/hrActual
2021$42.26/hrActual
2022$44.22/hrActual
2023$45.92/hrActual
2024$51.10/hrActual
2025$52.51/hrActual
2026(current)$55.10/hrEstimated
2027$57.82/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton grew 30.0% from $40.40/hr (2019) to $52.51/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.82/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Clifton

Working as a diagnostic medical sonographer offers varied earning opportunities depending on employment type and setting. A part-time sonographer in Clifton, clocking in at 24 hours per week, brings home approximately $60,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but still lucrative given the flexibility. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton are well-positioned to command even higher rates, typically billing between $55 and $80 per hour; specialized areas such as cardiac echo can elevate those rates to $70-$95 per hour. Travel contracts often present attractive compensation, with weekly pay running between $2,000 to $3,200 for those in high-demand specialties like cardiac and vascular sonography. Different employer types influence pay rates as well; imaging departments at hospitals might offer steadiness, while outpatient centers provide competitive hourly wages but may lack benefits. Negotiating for competitive pay in Clifton could involve balancing between hourly rates and benefits, with many experienced sonographers assessing their options based on personal needs for insurance and stability versus higher pay in contract positions or facilities that rely on less conventional structures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton is $55.10/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $40.34 at entry level (10th percentile) to $76.33 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 13.1% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Clifton?

A part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Clifton earns approximately $5,730/month, or $68,763/year at the median hourly rate of $55.10. Many diagnostic medical sonographers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton paid hourly or salary?

The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton are paid hourly at a median rate of $55.10/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $114,605/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Clifton?

A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Clifton earns approximately $114,605/year at the median hourly rate of $55.10. This is 13.1% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $158,758/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Clifton?

Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Clifton sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $76.33/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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 Clifton. 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 Clifton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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