Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Columbia, TN: $39.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Columbia, TN runs $39.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,152 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,688 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Columbia, TN, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $39.01, significantly lower than the national median of $48.73. This hourly rate suggests that part-time sonographers working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, can expect earnings of around $52,000 annually, which allows for some flexibility while still providing a reasonable income. For per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers, who often work in facility settings such as hospital ultrasound suites or outpatient imaging centers, hourly pay can vary significantly, with rates typically ranging from $27.08 for entry-level roles to $51.96 for experienced professionals. These figures highlight the vast potential for specialized positions, such as cardiac and vascular sonography, which often attract higher pay within the field.
About the Columbia Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.08 | $216.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.84 | $254.69 |
| Median (P50) | $39.01 | $312.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.60 | $348.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.96 | $415.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $39.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.01/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, TN can expect to earn approximately $81,147 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,816. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,560.52 | $6,762 | $81,147 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $936.31 | $4,057 | $48,688 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $624.21 | $2,705 | $32,459 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Columbia) | $39.01 |
| 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 Columbia, TN earn a median of $81,152 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.93% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.50% below the Tennessee state average of $83,233.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.01/hr = $48,688/year (purchasing power: $53,037).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,147/year (purchasing power: $88,395).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.18/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.18/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Columbia grew 30.0% from $28.61/hr (2019) to $37.18/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.94/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
Considering part-time positions, a diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours weekly might take home a solid earning compared to full-time counterparts. However, per-diem and agency roles present unique opportunities: per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Columbia can charge anywhere from $55-$80 per hour, and those specializing in cardiac echo may command even higher rates, between $70-$95. Moreover, travel contracts can yield substantial earnings ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 weekly, often appealing to those seeking flexibility and higher compensation. Work settings also influence pay; hospitals typically provide stable wages and benefits, while outpatient imaging centers and mobile imaging companies may offer varied compensation packages. Individuals should consider health insurance implications when negotiating pay rates, as some may accept lower hourly wages for comprehensive benefits, striking a balance between hours worked and overall financial stability.
More salary data for Columbia, TN:
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 Columbia. 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 Columbia 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