Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $40.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Lexington, SC runs $40.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $83,734 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,247 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $40.26, diagnostic medical sonographers in Lexington, South Carolina, can expect compensation that is approximately 17.38% lower than the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate reflects the opportunities available for part-time and per-diem workers, often employed in diverse settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging facilities. For instance, a part-time sonographer working three days per week could take home a significant paycheck while enjoying a better work-life balance. Within Lexington, hourly rates can vary considerably, ranging from $28.67 for entry-level positions to $49.65 for the highest earners, showcasing the potential for advancement and specialization, particularly in areas like cardiac and vascular sonography.
About the Lexington 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) | $28.67 | $229.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33.38 | $267.03 |
| Median (P50) | $40.26 | $322.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.75 | $341.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.65 | $397.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $40.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.26/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $83,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,314. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,610.47 | $6,979 | $83,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $966.28 | $4,187 | $50,247 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $644.19 | $2,791 | $33,498 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Lexington) | $40.26 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $83,734 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.38% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $88,608.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.26/hr = $50,247/year (purchasing power: $54,914).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $83,744/year (purchasing power: $91,524).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lexington grew 30.0% from $29.52/hr (2019) to $38.37/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.25/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
When analyzing the income potential for a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer, it is important to compare the actual earnings on a 24-hour workweek basis against a full-time schedule. While part-time professionals benefit from flexible schedules, their earnings may differ significantly from full-timers, emphasizing the trade-off between hours worked and benefits received. For those seeking per diem opportunities, rates can be lucrative, with per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Lexington potentially reaching $55-$80 hourly, and cardiac echo specialists commanding $70-$95 per hour. Furthermore, travel sonography contracts can yield up to $3,200 weekly, reflecting the high demand for specialized skills. However, workplace types also impact earning potential, with hospital imaging departments typically offering lower rates compared to private practices or outpatient centers. Therefore, many professionals must weigh the benefits that come with lower hourly rates and healthcare packages against higher salaries in less stable per-diem roles. For those looking to negotiate their hourly pay, understanding local market rates and being aware of specialty credentials, like those from the ARDMS, can provide leverage in discussions with employers in Lexington.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Lexington?
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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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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