Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Portland, OR: $64.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Portland, OR runs $64.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $134,751 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Portland's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $61.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $80,850 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Portland, Oregon, the average pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer stands at an impressive $64.78 per hour, significantly outpacing the national median of $48.73 per hour by 32.95%. This attractive hourly rate opens up various opportunities for both full-time and part-time professionals, especially in typical settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For those who may choose to work part-time, the flexibility allows them to earn a competitive income, with entry-level positions starting around $49.55 per hour, while seasoned professionals can reach up to $68.70 per hour. This data is based on projections from 2025 BLS OEWS data and illustrates a positive outlook for sonographers in the region.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.55 | $396.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53.51 | $428.11 |
| Median (P50) | $64.78 | $518.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66.21 | $529.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.70 | $549.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portland
Based on $64.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $64.78/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portland, OR can expect to earn approximately $134,750 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $77,741. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Portland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,591.35 | $11,229 | $134,750 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,554.81 | $6,738 | $80,850 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,036.54 | $4,492 | $53,900 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Portland) | $64.78 |
| 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 Portland, OR earn a median of $134,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.95% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 12.20% above the Oregon state average of $120,099.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $64.78/hr = $80,850/year (purchasing power: $76,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $134,750/year (purchasing power: $127,821).
CoL index: 105.421 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$61.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$64.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $61.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Portland grew 36.2% from $45.32/hr (2019) to $61.74/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $67.98/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 Portland 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 Portland
Examining the earning potential for a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week reveals a substantial difference compared to a full-time position, particularly regarding annual income. While per-diem positions provide varying rates, these workers generally earn between $55 and $80 per hour, with those in cardiac services sometimes reaching rates of $70 to $95 per hour. Travel sonography contracts can yield weekly earnings between $2,000 and $3,200, reflecting the premium often associated with cardiac and vascular specialties. In Portland, sonographers at hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices may experience different hourly rates, correlating with the benefits offered; accepting a lower hourly wage often includes health insurance, while higher-paying positions may lack such benefits. As demand grows—projected with a 4.93% increase—sonographers here could benefit from negotiating effectively, taking into account both the competitive hourly rate landscape and their individual career goals.
More salary data for Portland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Portland in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Portland?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Portland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Portland?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Portland?
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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 Portland. 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