Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Taos, NM: $42.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Taos, NM runs $42.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Taos's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.4, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,813 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Taos, New Mexico, the projected median hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer stands at $42.32, which is notably lower than the national average of $48.73. This indicates a gap that influences part-time and per-diem opportunities. For those working a part-time schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate can be beneficial, translating into consistent earnings within typical settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging units. Entry-level sonographers can expect to earn around $31.86 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale, particularly in specialized fields like cardiac echo or vascular sonography, may earn up to $52.64 per hour. Current trends reflect a strong demand for these professionals, making the hourly rates estimated from annual salary figures a critical aspect of their career considerations.
About the Taos 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) | $31.86 | $254.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.33 | $290.61 |
| Median (P50) | $42.32 | $338.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.20 | $361.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.64 | $421.15 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Taos
Based on $42.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.32/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Taos, NM can expect to earn approximately $88,022 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,782. With a cost-of-living index of 94.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Taos.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Taos
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,692.73 | $7,335 | $88,022 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,015.64 | $4,401 | $52,813 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $677.09 | $2,934 | $35,209 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Taos) | $42.32 |
| 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 Taos, NM earn a median of $88,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 8.00% below the New Mexico state average of $95,672.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.32/hr = $52,813/year (purchasing power: $55,946).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,022/year (purchasing power: $93,244).
CoL index: 94.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Taos (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.46/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Taos grew 30.0% from $31.03/hr (2019) to $40.33/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.40/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 Taos 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 Taos
When considering part-time work, a diagnostic medical sonographer in Taos can realistically expect to take home approximately $52,000 annually by working three days a week at an average of 24 hours, significantly less than their full-time colleagues. For those seeking flexibility, per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Taos ranges widely, with rates typically between $55 and $80 per hour for general roles, with cardiac echo specialists sometimes fetching $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts add another tier of earnings potential, with weekly pay rates ranging from $2,000 to $3,200, especially for those specializing in cardiac and vascular sonography. However, professionals must evaluate the trade-offs; higher hourly rates often come without benefits, which can be essential in maintaining health coverage. Negotiating pay can hinge on the type of employer—hospital imaging departments generally offer stability, while outpatient centers and travel contracts may offer higher but less predictable income streams.
More salary data for Taos, NM:
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 Taos. 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 Taos 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