Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in SeaTac, WA: $53.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in SeaTac, WA runs $53.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,799 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against SeaTac's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,485 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in SeaTac, Washington, receive a median hourly rate of $53.27, which surpasses the national hourly median of $48.73. This difference reflects the higher demand and cost of living in the region, making SeaTac an appealing location for professionals in this field. For individuals seeking part-time roles, such as working three days a week, this rate translates to substantial earnings. Per-diem opportunities are also available, with sonographers working in various settings like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, OB-GYN practices, and mobile imaging vans. The hourly range for this profession in SeaTac spans from $37.23 at entry-level positions to $71.65 for top earners, emphasizing the diverse earning potential across experience levels.
About the SeaTac 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) | $37.23 | $297.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.82 | $350.55 |
| Median (P50) | $53.27 | $426.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.65 | $453.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.65 | $573.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in SeaTac
Based on $53.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.27/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in SeaTac, WA can expect to earn approximately $110,808 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,928. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in SeaTac.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in SeaTac
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,130.92 | $9,234 | $110,808 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,278.55 | $5,540 | $66,485 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $852.37 | $3,694 | $44,323 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (SeaTac) | $53.27 |
| 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 SeaTac, WA earn a median of $110,799 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.00% below the Washington state average of $113,060.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.27/hr = $66,485/year (purchasing power: $61,904).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,808/year (purchasing power: $103,173).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in SeaTac (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.40/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in SeaTac grew 30.0% from $39.06/hr (2019) to $50.77/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.90/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 SeaTac 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 SeaTac
For those considering part-time work as a diagnostic medical sonographer, working 24 hours a week can yield significant income, although it will not match the earnings of full-time employment. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in SeaTac typically falls between $55 and $80 per hour, with specialized positions, particularly in cardiac echo imaging, commanding even higher rates—often from $70 to $95 per hour. Travel sonography contracts can offer a lucrative alternative, with weekly compensation ranging from $2,000 to $3,200, particularly in high-demand fields like cardiac and vascular imaging. SeaTac's healthcare market includes a variety of employers, such as hospitals, outpatient imaging chains like RadNet and SimonMed, OB-GYN practices, and mobile imaging services, each contributing to different pay scales. Some sonographers may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for employer-provided health insurance, while others may prefer higher hourly pay through agency work where benefits are not included. Negotiating hourly pay effectively in this competitive market can involve emphasizing experience and specialized credentials, such as RDMS or RDCS, to secure the best compensation.
More salary data for SeaTac, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in SeaTac 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 SeaTac. 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 SeaTac 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