Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $41.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Roanoke, VA runs $41.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,239 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.80 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,342 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Roanoke, Virginia, earn a median hourly rate of $41.94, which is notably lower than the national median of $48.73. This rate is important for those working part-time or per-diem, especially in diverse settings such as hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For individuals engaged part-time, working three days per week could translate to a significant monthly income, especially when factoring in flexibility. Furthermore, the hourly pay in Roanoke varies widely, with entry-level sonographers starting around $38.05 and more experienced professionals earning up to $50.30, reflecting the different levels of expertise and specialization within the field. These figures are based on the 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data, projected into 2026.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.05 | $304.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.03 | $328.22 |
| Median (P50) | $41.94 | $335.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.30 | $402.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.30 | $402.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $41.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.94/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $87,236 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,329. With a cost-of-living index of 93.62 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,677.62 | $7,270 | $87,236 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,006.57 | $4,362 | $52,342 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $671.05 | $2,908 | $34,895 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Roanoke) | $41.94 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $87,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.92% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.20% below the Virginia state average of $92,024.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.94/hr = $52,342/year (purchasing power: $55,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,236/year (purchasing power: $93,183).
CoL index: 93.618 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Roanoke grew 17.2% from $34.09/hr (2019) to $39.97/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.01/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
In Roanoke, the earning potential for part-time diagnostic medical sonographers—especially those working 24 hours a week—offers a different perspective on long-term financial planning. They can expect to bring home approximately $52,167 annually, compared to full-time workers. For per-diem or contract sonographers, the pay dramatically shifts; their hourly billing can range from $55 to $80, and those specializing in cardiac echo may charge between $70 and $95 per hour. It's not uncommon for travel sonography positions to offer weekly incomes between $2,000 and $3,200, particularly in cardiac and vascular specialties. Hourly rates can also fluctuate based on the type of employer—hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and private practices often have distinct pay scales. Some sonographers opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job stability, while others prioritize higher rates without traditional benefits. Negotiation strategies for hourly workers in Roanoke could focus on highlighting specialized credentials like RDMS and the demand for certain imaging specialties, which could influence pay rates positively.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Roanoke in 2026?
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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 Roanoke. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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