Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Trenton, NJ: $49.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Trenton, NJ runs $49.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,097 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Trenton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,260 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Trenton, NJ, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $49.09, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $48.73. This competitive pay structure offers financial stability for professionals working in various healthcare settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology labs. For those considering part-time work, such as a three-day weekly schedule, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income, allowing for a balanced work-life arrangement. Per-diem opportunities are also available, with hourly wages for sonographers typically ranging from $38.95 at entry-level positions to $59.22 for experienced top earners. The figures provided are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the evolving landscape of the profession.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.95 | $311.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.62 | $332.92 |
| Median (P50) | $49.09 | $392.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.54 | $428.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.22 | $473.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Trenton
Based on $49.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.09/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Trenton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $102,099 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,904. With a cost-of-living index of 103.18 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Trenton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Trenton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,963.45 | $8,508 | $102,099 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,178.07 | $5,105 | $61,260 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $785.38 | $3,403 | $40,840 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Trenton) | $49.09 |
| 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 Trenton, NJ earn a median of $102,097 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.74% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 12.60% below the New Jersey state average of $116,816.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.09/hr = $61,260/year (purchasing power: $59,372).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,099/year (purchasing power: $98,953).
CoL index: 103.18 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Trenton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Trenton grew 13.4% from $41.26/hr (2019) to $46.78/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.51/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 Trenton 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 Trenton
When evaluating the earning potential of diagnostic medical sonographers in Trenton, part-time work can yield a significant income. A sonographer working 24 hours a week may take home around $61,000 annually, which is substantial, although full-time positions typically offer more comprehensive benefits. Per diem and contract work present alternative routes, with rates ranging from $55 to $95 per hour, particularly for specialties in cardiac echo and vascular sonography. Moreover, the hourly rates vary according to employer types, with hospital imaging departments often providing less than outpatient imaging chains like RadNet or SimonMed. Some sonographers might opt for lower hourly rates to secure health insurance, while others may prefer higher rates without benefits. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Trenton can include emphasizing specialized certifications such as RDMS or RVT, especially given the ongoing demand for skilled cardiac echo and vascular sonographers in the region.
More salary data for Trenton, 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 Trenton. 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