Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Shelbyville, TN: $38.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Shelbyville, TN runs $38.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,701 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Shelbyville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $41.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelbyville, Tennessee, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $38.32 for 2026, considerably lower than the national median of $48.73 per hour. This rate reflects the local market and offers insights for professionals considering part-time or per-diem opportunities in various healthcare settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology echo labs. For instance, a part-time sonographer working three days a week may find that their earnings align with the Shelbyville median but still trail behind national averages, especially as the hourly range extends from $28.33 for entry-level positions to $48.23 for top earners. It’s essential to keep in mind that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salaries and can differ based on individual contracts and employment arrangements.
About the Shelbyville 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) | $28.33 | $226.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.40 | $259.22 |
| Median (P50) | $38.32 | $306.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.28 | $330.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.23 | $385.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelbyville
Based on $38.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.32/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelbyville, TN can expect to earn approximately $79,707 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,985. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shelbyville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelbyville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,532.82 | $6,642 | $79,707 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $919.69 | $3,985 | $47,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $613.13 | $2,657 | $31,883 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Shelbyville) | $38.32 |
| 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 Shelbyville, TN earn a median of $79,701 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.36% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.30% below the Tennessee state average of $83,282.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.32/hr = $47,824/year (purchasing power: $52,096).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,707/year (purchasing power: $86,826).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Shelbyville grew 30.0% from $28.10/hr (2019) to $36.52/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.21/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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville
For those who prefer flexible work options, part-time sonographers in Shelbyville can generate a decent income, with 24 hours a week translating into an annual take-home that remains competitive but often does not match the full-time potential. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Shelbyville typically ranges from $55 to $80, depending on specialization, while cardiac echo sonographers may command rates upwards of $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts can be particularly lucrative, offering weekly compensation between $2,000 and $3,200 for more specialized roles. Employment settings can also influence pay variability, as hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging companies may have different budgets and benefit packages. Some sonographers opt for higher hourly rates with per diem roles, which usually lack benefits, while others accept lower hourly wages to secure health insurance. When negotiating pay, it's crucial to consider not just the hourly figures, but also the overall compensation packages that can impact long-term financial health.
More salary data for Shelbyville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Shelbyville in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Shelbyville?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Shelbyville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Shelbyville?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Shelbyville?
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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 Shelbyville. 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 Shelbyville 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