Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Durham, NC: $43.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Durham, NC runs $43.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,295 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Durham's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,175 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Durham, North Carolina, the projected diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is $43.41, which is below the national hourly median of $48.73. This rate translates into varying earnings for both part-time and per-diem workers, particularly in settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging facilities, mobile imaging vans, and specialized medical practices such as OB-GYN and cardiology. Those in entry-level positions may start at approximately $27.51 per hour, while experienced sonographers in the top tier of the pay scale can earn as much as $62.19 per hour. Such hourly rates are derived from an analysis of annual salaries, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in diagnostic medical sonography or exploring part-time opportunities.
About the Durham Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.51 | $220.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.37 | $290.95 |
| Median (P50) | $43.41 | $347.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.52 | $388.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.19 | $497.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Durham
Based on $43.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.41/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Durham, NC can expect to earn approximately $90,292 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,091. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Durham.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Durham
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,736.38 | $7,524 | $90,292 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,041.83 | $4,515 | $54,175 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $694.55 | $3,010 | $36,117 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Durham) | $43.41 |
| 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 Durham, NC earn a median of $90,295 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.91% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.00% above the North Carolina state average of $87,665.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.41/hr = $54,175/year (purchasing power: $57,879).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,292/year (purchasing power: $96,466).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Durham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Durham grew 20.1% from $34.44/hr (2019) to $41.37/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.55/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 Durham 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 Durham
Analyzing the earning potential further reveals that a diagnostic medical sonographer working three days per week, approximately 24 hours, could take home around $53,828 annually, a significant difference compared to full-time positions. In the per-diem realm, agency contracts for diagnostic medical sonographers in Durham commonly offer rates between $55-$80 per hour, with specialized fields like cardiac echo potentially reaching $70-$95 per hour. Travel contracts may significantly enhance earnings, with weekly rates from $2,000 to $3,200, especially for cardiac and vascular sonographers. Different employment settings, such as hospitals versus outpatient imaging centers, often influence hourly rates, with some sonographers opting for lower pay in exchange for stable health insurance benefits. For those negotiating offers, understanding local market rates and being aware of the trade-offs between hourly pay and comprehensive benefits can provide a crucial advantage in securing an optimal arrangement.
More salary data for Durham, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Durham in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Durham?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Durham paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Durham?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Durham?
Related Pages
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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 Durham. 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 Durham 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