Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Chesapeake, VA: $43.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Chesapeake, VA runs $43.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,253 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Chesapeake's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,751 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chesapeake, Virginia, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $43.87 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $48.73. This rate offers a competitive option for professionals looking to work part-time or on a per-diem basis, especially since most positions in this field are found in settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices. Hourly rates for entry-level sonographers start around $28.08, while experienced professionals can earn up to $63.17, illustrating the broad range of potential earnings depending on experience, specialization, and employment type. Healthcare facilities throughout Chesapeake are accommodating these increases, reflecting the ongoing demand for qualified imaging professionals.
About the Chesapeake 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) | $28.08 | $224.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.94 | $295.48 |
| Median (P50) | $43.87 | $350.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.96 | $407.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.17 | $505.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesapeake
Based on $43.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.87/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesapeake, VA can expect to earn approximately $91,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,645. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chesapeake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chesapeake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,754.85 | $7,604 | $91,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,052.91 | $4,563 | $54,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $701.94 | $3,042 | $36,501 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Chesapeake) | $43.87 |
| 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 Chesapeake, VA earn a median of $91,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.96% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $91,989.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.87/hr = $54,751/year (purchasing power: $53,054).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,252/year (purchasing power: $88,423).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Chesapeake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Chesapeake grew 30.0% from $32.17/hr (2019) to $41.81/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.03/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 Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake
For those considering flexible work arrangements, part-time sonographers who work three days a week, totalling about 24 hours, might earn substantially less annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Chesapeake can range from $55 to $80 per hour, and for those specializing in cardiac echocardiography, this could increase to between $70 and $95 hourly. Additionally, travel contracts may offer lucrative weekly paychecks of $2,000 to $3,200, particularly in high-demand areas such as cardiac and vascular sonography. However, choices between hourly pay rates and benefits are significant—some sonographers accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other perks that come with full-time employment. When negotiating pay, it's advisable for Chesapeake professionals to remain aware of regional standards and to engage in discussions about additional benefits that may offset lower hourly rates.
More salary data for Chesapeake, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Chesapeake in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Chesapeake?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Chesapeake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Chesapeake?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Chesapeake?
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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 Chesapeake. 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 Chesapeake 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