Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Arlington, TX: $48.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Arlington, TX runs $48.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Arlington's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,958 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Arlington, TX, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay reaches a median of $48.84, positioning it marginally above the national median of $48.73. For professionals working part-time, such as those who complete shifts three days a week, this hourly pay translates into substantial financial benefits, especially considering the varied settings in which sonographers operate, from hospital ultrasound suites to mobile imaging vans. Entry-level sonographers may start at approximately $31.83 per hour, while experienced professionals can command around $67.98 per hour. These figures, derived from annual salary estimations, provide a clear insight into the competitive wage environment for sonographers in the Arlington area.
About the Arlington Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.83 | $254.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.70 | $309.59 |
| Median (P50) | $48.84 | $390.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.21 | $441.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.98 | $543.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington
Based on $48.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.84/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington, TX can expect to earn approximately $101,597 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,614. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,953.80 | $8,466 | $101,597 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,172.28 | $5,080 | $60,958 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.52 | $3,387 | $40,639 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Arlington) | $48.84 |
| 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 Arlington, TX earn a median of $101,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.23% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 17.20% above the Texas state average of $86,678.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.84/hr = $60,958/year (purchasing power: $63,498).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,597/year (purchasing power: $105,831).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Arlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Arlington grew 30.0% from $35.82/hr (2019) to $46.55/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.25/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 Arlington 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 Arlington
Viewing the landscape of part-time and per-diem opportunities offers a compelling understanding of earning potential in this field. Working as a per diem diagnostic medical sonographer in Arlington typically allows professionals to earn from $55 to $80 per hour, with cardiac echo sonographers hitting higher rates of $70 to $95 per hour. Those pursuing travel contracts can see compensation ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 per week, particularly for cardiac and vascular specialties. The differences in pay reflect the type of employer, with hospitals and outpatient imaging centers offering varying hourly rates, because benefits such as health insurance may lead some sonographers to accept lower hourly wages. Negotiation is key; professionals should research local market rates and be prepared to discuss flexible schedules or benefits to enhance their compensation discussions.
More salary data for Arlington, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Arlington in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Arlington?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Arlington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Arlington?
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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 Arlington. 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 Arlington 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