Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Alexandria, VA: $52.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Alexandria, VA runs $52.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,548 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Alexandria's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $51.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,725 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alexandria, Virginia, the projected hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer reaches a median of $52.66, exceeding the national hourly median of $48.73 by a notable margin. This means that professionals working part-time, perhaps three days a week, might earn around $1,600 weekly, providing a substantial income for those balancing other commitments. Per-diem workers, who often operate in varied environments such as hospital ultrasound suites or outpatient imaging centers, find themselves in the hourly wage range of $37.75 to $72.34 based on experience and expertise. Entry-level sonographers in Alexandria start closer to $37.75, while seasoned professionals, particularly those specializing in cardiac echo or vascular imaging, can earn toward the upper end of the scale, reflecting their advanced skills and the demand for specialized services.
About the Alexandria Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.75 | $302.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.22 | $353.74 |
| Median (P50) | $52.66 | $421.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.47 | $475.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72.34 | $578.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alexandria
Based on $52.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.66/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alexandria, VA can expect to earn approximately $109,542 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,197. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Alexandria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alexandria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,106.57 | $9,128 | $109,542 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,263.94 | $5,477 | $65,725 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $842.63 | $3,651 | $43,817 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Alexandria) | $52.66 |
| 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 Alexandria, VA earn a median of $109,548 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.09% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 19.10% above the Virginia state average of $91,980.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.66/hr = $65,725/year (purchasing power: $63,687).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,542/year (purchasing power: $106,145).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alexandria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Alexandria grew 30.0% from $38.62/hr (2019) to $50.19/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.26/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 Alexandria 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 Alexandria
Analyzing the earning potential reveals significant opportunities for diagnostic medical sonographers, especially in part-time roles. A professional working just 24 hours a week can take home approximately $78,000 annually, presenting a viable option for those seeking flexibility. For per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Alexandria, billing rates typically vary from $55 to $80 per hour, with cardiac echo sonographers reaching an impressive $70 to $95 per hour. Travel contracts can also be lucrative, bringing in weekly pay between $2,000 and $3,200, particularly for those with credentials such as RDCS or RVT. Hourly rates do fluctuate based on the employer type, with hospital imaging departments often providing stable health benefits, while outpatient centers may offer higher pay with less job security. Additionally, negotiations for hourly pay can be strategic; understanding the local market and having specialty credentials can significantly impact discussions around compensation in Alexandria.
More salary data for Alexandria, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Alexandria in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Alexandria?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Alexandria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Alexandria?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Alexandria?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Alexandria. 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 Alexandria 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