Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $41.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Killeen, TX runs $41.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $86,536 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $51,923 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Killeen, Texas, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $41.60 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $48.73. This discrepancy represents a significant consideration for those entering the field or evaluating their options in various workplaces like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging services. For part-time or per-diem sonographers, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings potential, especially for those working in high-demand areas such as cardiac echo or vascular labs. The hourly pay range for diagnostic medical sonographers in Killeen is expected to fall between $28.87 at the entry-level and $49.60 for top earners, reflecting the varied experience and specialization levels common within this profession.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.87 | $230.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.77 | $310.17 |
| Median (P50) | $41.60 | $332.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.53 | $388.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.60 | $396.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
Based on $41.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.60/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Killeen, TX can expect to earn approximately $86,538 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $49,926. With a cost-of-living index of 91.13 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,664.19 | $7,211 | $86,538 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $998.51 | $4,327 | $51,923 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $665.68 | $2,885 | $34,615 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Killeen) | $41.60 |
| 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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $86,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.62% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.20% below the Texas state average of $86,709.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.60/hr = $51,923/year (purchasing power: $56,975).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $86,538/year (purchasing power: $94,959).
CoL index: 91.132 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.66/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Killeen grew 18.7% from $33.41/hr (2019) to $39.65/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.66/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
Evaluating the earning potential for a part-time sonographer working three days a week at 24 hours would yield an annual take-home of approximately $51,000, substantially less than a full-time employee's earnings. In addition, per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Killeen often command rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized roles in cardiac echo even fetching $70 to $95 per hour. Contracts for travel sonographers can yield significant weekly pay, often sitting between $2,000 and $3,200, especially for those in specialized vascular or cardiac practices. Hourly rates differ depending on the setting; while hospital positions may offer more stability, outpatient centers often provide competitive hourly rates with fewer benefits. As many professionals weigh their options, understanding the balance between higher hourly pay and benefits becomes essential, particularly in a city with a relatively low cost of living index at 91.132. Contract negotiation strategies, including showcasing relevant credentials from the ARDMS and emphasizing experience in specialized areas, can enhance earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
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 Killeen. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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