Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Pasadena, TX: $47.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Pasadena, TX runs $47.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,483 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,086 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, Texas, the typical hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer is projected at $47.34 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $48.73. This rate presents favorable opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers in varied healthcare environments such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty practices like OB-GYN or cardiology. For those working three days a week, the earnings can significantly contribute to a stable income, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $33.65 and experienced practitioners earning up to $64.58 per hour. Given that these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, they reflect an evolving job market influenced by regional cost-of-living considerations and the demand for sonography professionals.
About the Pasadena 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) | $33.65 | $269.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.49 | $315.88 |
| Median (P50) | $47.34 | $378.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.24 | $425.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.58 | $516.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $47.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.34/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, TX can expect to earn approximately $98,476 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,813. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,893.78 | $8,206 | $98,476 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,136.27 | $4,924 | $59,086 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $757.51 | $3,283 | $39,391 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Pasadena) | $47.34 |
| 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 Pasadena, TX earn a median of $98,483 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.83% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 13.60% above the Texas state average of $86,693.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.34/hr = $59,086/year (purchasing power: $61,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,476/year (purchasing power: $102,580).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pasadena grew 30.0% from $34.72/hr (2019) to $45.12/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.68/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
For diagnostic medical sonographers considering part-time roles in Pasadena, working just 24 hours a week translates to a take-home salary that often falls shy of full-time compensation but still provides a decent living. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Pasadena can reach between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialized cardiac echo sonographers even seeing rates from $70 to $95 per hour. Travel sonography contracts are another lucrative avenue, offering weekly payouts of $2,000 to $3,200, especially for those handling cardiac or vascular cases. Variability in wages can arise depending on the employer type, with hospitals, outpatient facilities, and private practices often offering different compensation packages. While some may prefer the stability of lower hourly rates that come with benefits like healthcare coverage, others might value flexibility and higher pay in agency roles despite lacking benefits. Negotiating hourly rates effectively can hinge on understanding the local market and emphasizing specialized skills, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiac and vascular imaging.
More salary data for Pasadena, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Pasadena in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Pasadena?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Pasadena paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Pasadena?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Pasadena?
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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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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