Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Long Branch, NJ: $54.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Long Branch, NJ runs $54.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $113,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Long Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $68,357 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Long Branch, New Jersey, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $54.77 in 2026, a notable increase compared to the national hourly median of $48.73. This elevated compensation reflects the demand for skilled sonographers in various healthcare settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile imaging units, and specialized labs such as OB-GYN and cardiology. For part-time and per-diem workers, particularly those on a 3-day workweek, this hourly rate translates to significant take-home pay that can enhance flexibility in their work-life balance. With an hourly range running from $38.12 at the entry level to $73.20 for top earners, the earnings potential varies greatly based on experience and specific roles within the sonography field.
About the Long Branch 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) | $38.12 | $304.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.76 | $358.11 |
| Median (P50) | $54.77 | $438.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.20 | $489.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.20 | $585.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Branch
Based on $54.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $54.77/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Branch, NJ can expect to earn approximately $113,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $65,728. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,190.94 | $9,494 | $113,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,314.56 | $5,696 | $68,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $876.38 | $3,798 | $45,572 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Long Branch) | $54.77 |
| 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 Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $113,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.40% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $116,722.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $54.77/hr = $68,357/year (purchasing power: $59,338).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $113,929/year (purchasing power: $98,897).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$40.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$52.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$54.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $52.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Long Branch grew 30.0% from $40.16/hr (2019) to $52.20/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $57.47/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 Long Branch 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 Long Branch
For a diagnostic medical sonographer working part-time at 24 hours per week, the annual take-home could significantly differ compared to a full-time schedule, showcasing the allure of a per-diem career path. Generally, per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Long Branch can range from $55 to $80 hourly, with more lucrative options in cardiac echo roles that command $70 to $95 per hour. Moreover, those accepting travel sonography contracts may find weekly earnings between $2,000 and $3,200, especially in specialized fields like cardiac and vascular sonography. In Long Branch, hourly rates may vary considerably depending on the employer type—hospitals tend to offer stability with benefits, while outpatient imaging centers or mobile services may provide higher rates without the same benefits package. This trade-off often leads some professionals to opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for health benefits, particularly important in an industry where job security and health coverage are paramount. For effective negotiation, sonographers may leverage local market data and knowledge of specialty premiums, backing their requests with current industry standards.
More salary data for Long Branch, 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 Long Branch. 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 Long Branch 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