Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Carlsbad, NM: $43.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Carlsbad, NM runs $43.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Carlsbad's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,424 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carlsbad, NM, a diagnostic medical sonographer earns a median hourly rate of $43.61, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $48.73. This rate reflects the pay structure for full-time workers, but for part-time practitioners working just three days a week, the financial implications can vary significantly. The hourly range for several positions starts at $31.73 for entry-level sonographers and goes up to $55.89 for experienced professionals. Many sonographers work in diverse settings including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging units, where hourly rates can significantly impact their overall earnings.
About the Carlsbad Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.73 | $253.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.80 | $294.39 |
| Median (P50) | $43.61 | $348.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.27 | $378.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.89 | $447.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carlsbad
Based on $43.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.61/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carlsbad, NM can expect to earn approximately $90,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,331. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carlsbad.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carlsbad
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,744.36 | $7,559 | $90,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,046.61 | $4,535 | $54,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $697.74 | $3,024 | $36,283 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Carlsbad) | $43.61 |
| 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 Carlsbad, NM earn a median of $90,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.49% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.20% below the New Mexico state average of $95,692.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.61/hr = $54,424/year (purchasing power: $57,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,707/year (purchasing power: $96,087).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Carlsbad (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carlsbad grew 30.0% from $31.98/hr (2019) to $41.56/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.76/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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad
For those considering part-time work in the field, taking on three 8-hour shifts weekly can result in a more stable income compared to what a full-time position might offer. While a part-time sonographer can expect to earn approximately $54,044 annually, a full-time schedule offers more financial security and access to benefits. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Carlsbad typically command hourly rates between $55 and $80, particularly for in-demand specialties like cardiac echo, which can range from $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts present further earning opportunities, with rates ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 a week. Each work environment offers distinct advantages: some facilities provide valuable benefits such as health insurance, while others may pay a higher hourly rate but without additional perks. Therefore, understanding one’s priorities will influence the decision to negotiate for better rates, especially since positions vary greatly across different employers in Carlsbad, including local hospitals and specialized imaging practices.
More salary data for Carlsbad, NM:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Carlsbad in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Carlsbad?
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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 Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad 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