Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Cleveland, OH: $41.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Cleveland, OH runs $41.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,609 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Cleveland's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.9, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,962 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Cleveland, Ohio, the hourly compensation for a diagnostic medical sonographer is projected to be $41.64 in 2026, which is lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73. This figure reflects what professionals in the field can expect to earn while working in various settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging units. Diagnostic medical sonographers in the Cleveland area occupy a spectrum of earnings, ranging from an entry-level hourly rate of approximately $32.77 to seasoned professionals earning upwards of $51.05. These earnings are crucial for full-time positions and can also create a solid financial foundation for part-time or per-diem workers who may seek flexibility in their schedules while maintaining that hourly commitment.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.77 | $262.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.43 | $323.44 |
| Median (P50) | $41.64 | $333.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.01 | $392.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.05 | $408.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland
Based on $41.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.64/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland, OH can expect to earn approximately $86,603 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,963. With a cost-of-living index of 93.92 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,665.45 | $7,217 | $86,603 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $999.27 | $4,330 | $51,962 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $666.18 | $2,887 | $34,641 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Cleveland) | $41.64 |
| 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 Cleveland, OH earn a median of $86,609 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.55% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.80% below the Ohio state average of $88,197.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.64/hr = $51,962/year (purchasing power: $55,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,603/year (purchasing power: $92,207).
CoL index: 93.923 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.30/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Cleveland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.30/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.24/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.69/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Cleveland grew 19.2% from $33.30/hr (2019) to $39.68/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.69/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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland
For part-time diagnostic medical sonographers in Cleveland working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, annual earnings can significantly vary compared to full-time roles. This arrangement allows for manageable work-life balance while providing a substantial annual income, although it typically falls short of a full-time salary. Comparing per diem opportunities, many professionals engage in per diem roles and charge rates usually ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiac echo allowing for even higher rates of $70 to $95 per hour. Additionally, travel contracts can offer robust earnings, often between $2,000 and $3,200 per week, especially in high-demand settings. While some facilities may provide lower hourly rates, the inclusion of benefits such as health insurance can make less lucrative positions more appealing. Those negotiating their hourly rate should consider market rates in Cleveland across various types of employers, from hospital imaging departments to private outpatient centers, and leverage their qualifications, particularly if they hold specialty credentials like RDMS or RDCS.
More salary data for Cleveland, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Cleveland in 2026?
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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 Cleveland. 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