Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Hilton Head Island, SC: $42.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Hilton Head Island, SC runs $42.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,058 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Hilton Head Island's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,839 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected hourly compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hilton Head Island, SC, is $42.34. This amount is lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73, indicating a modest market for sonographers in the region. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a competitive but manageable income, especially given the common employment settings, including hospital ultrasound suites and outpatient imaging centers. Per-diem work can provide flexibility for those willing to travel between various facilities, such as OB-GYN and cardiology practices, with hourly wages ranging from $30.73 at entry-level positions to upwards of $55.47 for experienced professionals. The market in Hilton Head Island reflects the regional cost of living and the limited number of sonographers, which can influence earning potentials within the profession.
About the Hilton Head Island Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.73 | $245.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.54 | $284.32 |
| Median (P50) | $42.34 | $338.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.63 | $373.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.47 | $443.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hilton Head Island
Based on $42.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.34/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hilton Head Island, SC can expect to earn approximately $88,066 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,807. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hilton Head Island.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hilton Head Island
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,693.57 | $7,339 | $88,066 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,016.14 | $4,403 | $52,839 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $677.43 | $2,936 | $35,226 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Hilton Head Island) | $42.34 |
| 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 Hilton Head Island, SC earn a median of $88,058 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.12% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $88,679.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.34/hr = $52,839/year (purchasing power: $57,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,066/year (purchasing power: $96,247).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Hilton Head Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hilton Head Island grew 30.7% from $30.88/hr (2019) to $40.35/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.43/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 Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island
Focusing on part-time earnings, a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer working 24 hours a week at $42.34 per hour can expect an annual income of approximately $52,000, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, who may exceed $88,058 annually. The per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Hilton Head Island can vary widely; many professionals charge between $55 and $80 per hour, and cardiac echo specialists may secure $70 to $95 hourly. Travel contracts are often lucrative, with weekly stipends ranging from $2,000 to $3,200. Hourly rates can fluctuate between employers, with hospital imaging departments typically offering more benefits compared to outpatient facilities and mobile imaging companies that might provide higher pay but fewer perks. Professionals considering their options should weigh the trade-off between a higher hourly rate and benefits like health insurance. When negotiating hourly pay in Hilton Head Island, emphasizing certifications from ARDMS and specialized sonography credentials can be a strong advantage in the job market.
More salary data for Hilton Head Island, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hilton Head Island in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Hilton Head Island?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Hilton Head Island paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Hilton Head Island?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Hilton Head Island?
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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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island 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