Sonographer Pay

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $42.84 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Lorain, OH runs $42.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,114 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,468 per year.

$89,114
Median Annual Salary
$42.84/hr
Hourly Rate
$59,634
Entry Level (P10)
$116,341
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Rate in Lorain, OH — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Lorain, OH diagnostic medical sonographer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Lorain, Ohio, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $42.84, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This compensation can impact those who work part-time or in per-diem roles within various healthcare settings, including outpatient imaging centers, hospital ultrasound suites, and even mobile imaging vans. For example, a part-time sonographer working three days a week may find their earnings well-aligned with the entry-level hourly rates, which begin around $28.67, while top earners in this field can make as much as $55.94 per hour. Overall, the diverse environments that sonographers work in, from OB-GYN exam rooms to vascular lab procedure rooms, contribute to a spectrum of pay ranges influenced by experience and specialization.

About the Lorain Market

Salary estimated from Ohio average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$28.67$229.34
Lower Range (P25)$36.90$295.23
Median (P50)$42.84$342.74
Upper Range (P75)$46.85$374.81
Top Earners (P90)$55.94$447.51

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain

Based on $42.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a diagnostic medical sonographer in Lorain earning $42.84/hr would make approximately $51,412 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $89,113 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$51,412Reduced (32 hr/wk)$68,549Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$89,113

At $42.84/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $89,113 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,412. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$342.74
per 8hr shift
$1,713.72
per week
$7,426
per month
$89,113
per year

Schedule Comparison in Lorain

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,713.72$7,426$89,113
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,028.23$4,456$53,468
Per Diem (16 hrs)$685.49$2,970$35,645

Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Lorain)$42.84
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Lorain ($89,114) with Ohio average ($88,144) and the US national median ($101,352).Lorain$89,114Ohio Avg$88,144+1.10%US National$101,352-12.07%

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lorain, OH earn a median of $89,114 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.07% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $88,144.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $42.84/hr = $53,468/year (purchasing power: $58,950).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,113/year (purchasing power: $98,251).

CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$31.42/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$40.83/hr

2026 Current Est.

$42.84/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lorain (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lorain. Baseline $31.42/hr in 2025, projected to $44.96/hr by 2027.$29$33$38$43$482019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$31.42$32.09$32.86$34.39$35.71$33.50$40.83$42.84$44.96
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$31.42/hrActual
2020$32.09/hrActual
2021$32.86/hrActual
2022$34.39/hrActual
2023$35.71/hrActual
2024$33.50/hrActual
2025$40.83/hrActual
2026(current)$42.84/hrEstimated
2027$44.96/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lorain grew 30.0% from $31.42/hr (2019) to $40.83/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.96/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lorain metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Lorain

Looking at the earning potential, a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours per week could realistically take home around $53,179 annually, contrasting with full-time colleagues who can expect to earn significantly more over the year. For sonographers seeking higher pay, per diem options might be appealing, with rates for agency work often ranging between $55 to $80 an hour, particularly for specialized areas like cardiac echo, where the pay can rise to $70-$95 per hour. In Lorain, various employers, such as outpatient imaging facilities and established hospital networks, may offer different rates, creating a scenario where some professionals choose to forgo higher pay for the security of health benefits. Negotiation is essential for hourly workers in this environment; knowing the average rates and understanding the trade-offs between compensation and benefits can help navigate employment offers and even bidding for travel contracts, which can offer up to $3,200 a week for cardiac sonographers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lorain in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lorain is $42.84/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $28.67 at entry level (10th percentile) to $55.94 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 12.1% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Lorain?

A part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Lorain earns approximately $4,456/month, or $53,468/year at the median hourly rate of $42.84. Many diagnostic medical sonographers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Lorain paid hourly or salary?

The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers in Lorain are paid hourly at a median rate of $42.84/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $89,113/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Lorain?

A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Lorain earns approximately $89,113/year at the median hourly rate of $42.84. This is 12.1% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $116,351/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Lorain?

Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Lorain sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $55.94/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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 Lorain. 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 Lorain is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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