Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $43.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Blacksburg, VA runs $43.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,738 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Blacksburg, Virginia, diagnostic medical sonographers earn an estimated median hourly pay of $43.86, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This rate provides a valuable perspective for both full-time and part-time workers in diverse settings such as hospital ultrasound suites and mobile imaging vans. For part-time sonographers working three days a week, the hourly rate can equate to a solid income stream, particularly when balancing work with other commitments. Moreover, the hourly range within the local market extends from $31.68 at the entry-level up to $57.22 for the top earners, indicating that even entry-level positions are competitive relative to regional standards. These estimates are drawn from annual salary figures, reflecting the nuanced realities of the profession in 2026.
About the Blacksburg 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) | $31.68 | $253.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.74 | $293.89 |
| Median (P50) | $43.86 | $350.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.26 | $386.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.22 | $457.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $43.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.86/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $91,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,633. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,754.43 | $7,603 | $91,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,052.66 | $4,562 | $54,738 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $701.77 | $3,041 | $36,492 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Blacksburg) | $43.86 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $91,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.99% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $91,965.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.86/hr = $54,738/year (purchasing power: $53,041).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,230/year (purchasing power: $88,401).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Blacksburg grew 30.0% from $32.16/hr (2019) to $41.80/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.02/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
In terms of earning potential, a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $55,046 annually, which highlights the financial benefits of part-time arrangements compared to full-time roles. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Blacksburg have different opportunities, often commanding rates ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialized areas like cardiac echo potentially reaching up to $95. While hospital imaging departments may offer stability and benefits, outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed frequently attract sonographers seeking higher hourly rates without health benefits. As the job market evolves, negotiating pay can hinge on expertise in specific imaging modalities, making it essential for sonographers to familiarize themselves with compensation trends in various employer types throughout Blacksburg.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Blacksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Blacksburg?
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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 Blacksburg. 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 Blacksburg 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