Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Lake Ridge, VA: $42.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Lake Ridge, VA runs $42.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,145 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lake Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,892 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Lake Ridge, VA, earn a median hourly rate of $42.38, which is lower than the national median of $48.73. This hourly figure presents a variety of potential outcomes for those in part-time and per-diem roles, commonly found in hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. In terms of earning potential, the hourly range for sonographers in Lake Ridge stretches from $30.46 at the lower end (P10) to $55.06 among the top earners (P90). For individuals seeking to work part-time, such as three days a week, or those interested in per-diem opportunities, these figures highlight a meaningful pay structure within the profession, even as compensation may vary based on skill level, experience, and specific job settings.
About the Lake Ridge 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) | $30.46 | $243.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.35 | $282.81 |
| Median (P50) | $42.38 | $339.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.52 | $372.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.06 | $440.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Ridge
Based on $42.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.38/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Ridge, VA can expect to earn approximately $88,153 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,857. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,695.25 | $7,346 | $88,153 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,017.15 | $4,408 | $52,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $678.10 | $2,938 | $35,261 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Lake Ridge) | $42.38 |
| 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 Lake Ridge, VA earn a median of $88,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.03% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.20% below the Virginia state average of $92,010.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.38/hr = $52,892/year (purchasing power: $51,252).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,153/year (purchasing power: $85,420).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lake Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lake Ridge grew 30.0% from $31.08/hr (2019) to $40.39/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.47/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 Lake Ridge 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 Lake Ridge
For part-time sonographers working 24 hours a week, the annual earnings can provide a decent living yet often fall short of full-time salaries. Agencies offering per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Lake Ridge typically bill around $55-$80 per hour, while specialized cardiac echo per-diem roles can command rates between $70 and $95 per hour. Travel contracts for sonographers may offer even higher earnings, often reaching $2,000-$3,200 per week based on demand and specialty. Different employer types impact hourly rates as well; hospital departments may offer benefits with lower wages, while outpatient imaging centers or mobile companies might trade benefits for better hourly compensation. Negotiating terms is crucial; understanding one's worth in relation to local and national averages can provide leverage for those seeking flexibility or higher pay in Lake Ridge's evolving imaging job market.
More salary data for Lake Ridge, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Lake Ridge. 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 Lake Ridge 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