Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Lakewood, WA: $53.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Lakewood, WA runs $53.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,722 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Lakewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $50.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $67,035 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Lakewood, Washington, can expect a median hourly rate of $53.71 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national median of $48.73. This favorable rate allows those working part-time, such as three days a week, to take home a robust paycheck while balancing personal commitments. From hospital ultrasound suites to outpatient imaging centers and mobile imaging vans, the hourly pay ranges significantly from $35.59 for entry-level positions to $73.17 for top earners. It's important to remember that these figures are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the potential for steady income in this rewarding field.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.59 | $284.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.96 | $367.67 |
| Median (P50) | $53.71 | $429.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.44 | $483.52 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73.17 | $585.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakewood
Based on $53.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.71/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakewood, WA can expect to earn approximately $111,724 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,456. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lakewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,148.55 | $9,310 | $111,724 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,289.13 | $5,586 | $67,035 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $859.42 | $3,724 | $44,690 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Lakewood) | $53.71 |
| 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 Lakewood, WA earn a median of $111,722 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.23% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.20% below the Washington state average of $113,079.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.71/hr = $67,035/year (purchasing power: $62,416).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,724/year (purchasing power: $104,026).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $57.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lakewood grew 30.0% from $39.39/hr (2019) to $51.19/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.36/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 Lakewood 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 Lakewood
When examining the earnings of part-time diagnostic medical sonographers, someone working 24 hours a week can anticipate a comfortable yearly income, though it may fall short of a full-time salary. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Lakewood typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, depending on specialty, with cardiac echo professionals frequently earning between $70 and $95 per hour. Travel contracts can significantly enhance earnings, reaching $2,000 to $3,200 per week. The hourly rates vary widely among employers like hospitals, outpatient centers (such as RadNet and SimonMed), and mobile imaging companies, often influenced by benefits. Some sonographers might choose lower hourly rates for a steady paycheck and health insurance, while others opt for higher wages without benefits. In any negotiation, being informed about market standards and local trends can provide significant leverage.
More salary data for Lakewood, WA:
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 Lakewood. 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 Lakewood 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