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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.92/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.82/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton 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 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.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
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 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).
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