Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Hampton, VA: $44.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Hampton, VA runs $44.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,885 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Hampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $42.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,131 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, Virginia, diagnostic medical sonographers earn a median hourly rate of $44.18, which is lower than the national median of $48.73. This pay scale is vital for those considering part-time work or per-diem positions, commonly found across various settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For a part-time sonographer working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a steady income while allowing for flexibility. Entry-level sonographers may start at about $31.54, increasing to around $60.57 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the differences in experience, credentials, and the specific demands of their roles.
About the Hampton 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) | $31.54 | $252.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.95 | $295.57 |
| Median (P50) | $44.18 | $353.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.69 | $405.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.57 | $484.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hampton
Based on $44.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.18/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hampton, VA can expect to earn approximately $91,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,011. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,767.02 | $7,657 | $91,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,060.21 | $4,594 | $55,131 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $706.81 | $3,063 | $36,754 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Hampton) | $44.18 |
| 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 Hampton, VA earn a median of $91,885 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $91,977.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.18/hr = $55,131/year (purchasing power: $53,422).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,885/year (purchasing power: $89,036).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $35.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hampton grew 30.0% from $32.39/hr (2019) to $42.10/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.35/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 Hampton 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 Hampton
For a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working a 24-hour week, the annual income would be significantly less than that of full-time colleagues, emphasizing the choice many make between flexibility and financial stability. Per diem rates can vary widely, with some diagnostic medical sonographers in Hampton commanding much higher rates, often between $55 and $80 per hour, especially in specialized areas such as cardiac echo, where per diem rates can reach upwards of $70 to $95. The variety of settings—like hospitals versus outpatient clinics—also impacts hourly pay, with hospitals typically offering lower pay but more robust benefits compared to private practices or travel agencies, which might provide higher hourly rates but limited benefits. When negotiating, local sonographers might seek compensation that considers both hourly rates and the coverage of health insurance, striking a balance based on their individual circumstances and career goals in the evolving landscape of medical imaging in VA.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Hampton in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Hampton?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Hampton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Hampton?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Hampton?
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 Hampton. 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 Hampton 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