Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Chester, PA: $39.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Chester, PA runs $39.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,653 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Chester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.4, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,989 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chester, Pennsylvania, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect to earn a median hourly pay of $39.25, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This compensation is reflective of the local job market and impacts both full-time and part-time employment opportunities. For part-time professionals working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into significant earnings, which can be appealing for those balancing other commitments. The range for hourly wages spans from $29.94 at the entry-level (P10) to $49.31 for experienced professionals at the top end (P90). Such figures indicate a diverse working environment that includes settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, mobile imaging vans, and specialized clinics such as OB-GYN and cardiology practices.
About the Chester Market
Salary estimated from Pennsylvania average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.94 | $239.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.02 | $272.15 |
| Median (P50) | $39.25 | $314.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.94 | $335.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.31 | $394.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chester
Based on $39.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.25/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chester, PA can expect to earn approximately $81,649 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,105. With a cost-of-living index of 97.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,570.17 | $6,804 | $81,649 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $942.10 | $4,082 | $48,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $628.07 | $2,722 | $32,660 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Chester) | $39.25 |
| 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 Chester, PA earn a median of $81,653 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.44% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.40% below the Pennsylvania state average of $84,527.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.25/hr = $48,989/year (purchasing power: $50,297).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,649/year (purchasing power: $83,829).
CoL index: 97.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Chester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Chester grew 30.0% from $28.78/hr (2019) to $37.41/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.19/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 Chester 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 Chester
Examining part-time earnings more closely, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week would generate approximately $61,560 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Local sonographers may also consider the per diem structure, where per diem diagnostic medical sonographers typically bill between $55 and $80 per hour, often compelling them to choose flexible agency work for better pay. Cardiac echo specialists can earn even higher rates, with per diem pay ranging from $70 to $95 per hour. Overall, hourly rates can differ based on employer types in Chester, such as hospitals or specialized outpatient facilities. Many professionals face a trade-off between hourly pay and the benefits provided by full-time employment, including health insurance. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers often revolve around assessing the value of benefits versus hourly compensation, leading to a tailored approach in securing equitable remuneration specific to the Chester market.
More salary data for Chester, PA:
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 Chester. 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 Chester 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