Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in McLean, VA: $43.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in McLean, VA runs $43.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $90,052 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against McLean's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $41.95 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,031 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in McLean, Virginia, earn a median hourly rate of $43.29 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This rate provides a solid income for professionals working in various settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and OB-GYN practices. For part-time workers, typically scheduled for three days a week, this can translate to approximately $3,086 monthly based on a 24-hour workweek, while entry-level sonographers may see starting hourly pay around $30.34. The upper end of the scale can reach $55.34 hourly for experienced practitioners, especially in high-demand specialties such as cardiac echo or vascular sonography, where such imaging professionals often find themselves in competitive positions.
About the McLean 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) | $30.34 | $242.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35.56 | $284.49 |
| Median (P50) | $43.29 | $346.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.95 | $375.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.34 | $442.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McLean
Based on $43.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $43.29/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McLean, VA can expect to earn approximately $90,052 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,953. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McLean.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McLean
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,731.76 | $7,504 | $90,052 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,039.06 | $4,503 | $54,031 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $692.71 | $3,002 | $36,021 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (McLean) | $43.29 |
| 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 McLean, VA earn a median of $90,052 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.15% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.10% below the Virginia state average of $91,984.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $43.29/hr = $54,031/year (purchasing power: $52,356).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $90,052/year (purchasing power: $87,259).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$31.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$43.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in McLean (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $33.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in McLean grew 30.0% from $31.75/hr (2019) to $41.26/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.43/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 McLean 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 McLean
The earning potential for a part-time diagnostic medical sonographer paints a distinct picture when considering annual take-home income, which can differ significantly from full-time rates. With per-diem diagnostic medical sonographers in McLean billing between $55 and $80 per hour—especially in high-stakes environments like cardiac echo labs—this option can enhance financial flexibility and boost yearly earnings. Travel sonography contracts offer even higher compensation, sometimes reaching up to $3,200 weekly. Salary variations also depend on the type of employer; outpatient centers like RadNet may pay differently compared to hospital imaging departments. Many professionals face a benefits trade-off, opting for lower hourly rates to secure health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay effectively can be crucial, particularly in a market that values specialty credentials like RDMS, RDCS, and RVT, ensuring fair compensation aligns with skills and expertise in this evolving field in McLean.
More salary data for McLean, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in McLean in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in McLean?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in McLean paid hourly or salary?
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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 McLean. 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 McLean 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