Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Pawtucket, RI: $48.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Pawtucket, RI runs $48.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Pawtucket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.67 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,050 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pawtucket, Rhode Island, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly pay of $48.92, slightly above the national average of $48.73. This hourly rate is particularly favorable for those seeking part-time or per-diem work, as sonographers in various settings—including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans—can work flexible schedules. For instance, a part-time sonographer working three days a week would bring home substantial pay, reflecting the state's competitive position in the healthcare sector. The hourly compensation ranges from $33.27 for entry-level positions to $67.70 for the highest earning professionals, providing ample opportunity for career advancement in this rewarding field.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.27 | $266.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.56 | $316.47 |
| Median (P50) | $48.92 | $391.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.82 | $430.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.70 | $541.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pawtucket
Based on $48.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.92/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pawtucket, RI can expect to earn approximately $101,750 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,702. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pawtucket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pawtucket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,956.73 | $8,479 | $101,750 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,174.04 | $5,088 | $61,050 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $782.69 | $3,392 | $40,700 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Pawtucket) | $48.92 |
| 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 Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $101,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.39% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $101,849.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.92/hr = $61,050/year (purchasing power: $60,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,750/year (purchasing power: $101,244).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$35.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.33/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pawtucket grew 30.0% from $35.87/hr (2019) to $46.62/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.33/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 Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket
As the job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pawtucket evolves, those seeking part-time roles may find that a three-day workweek translates to an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. However, per-diem and locum tenens sonographers can command higher rates, billing anywhere from $55 to $80 per hour, with cardiac echo specialists potentially earning $70 to $95 per hour. Travel sonography positions further enhance earning potential, offering contracts that can average $2,000 to $3,200 per week. Variations in hourly pay often arise based on the employer type, with hospitals, outpatient facilities, and specialized practices each presenting unique compensation structures. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly rates at larger imaging departments for the security of health benefits, while others pursue higher-paying roles without benefits. Negotiating for the best possible rate is crucial, especially in a market where the right mix of specialty credentials, such as RDMS or RDCS, can impact both job prospects and earning potential in Pawtucket.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pawtucket in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Pawtucket?
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Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Pawtucket?
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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 Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket 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