Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in University Place, WA: $53.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in University Place, WA runs $53.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $110,887 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against University Place's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $49.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,537 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University Place, the hourly pay for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to reach $53.31 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national hourly median of $48.73. This higher wage reflects the demand for skilled professionals in more specialized settings, including hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and mobile imaging vans. For those working part time, such as a typical 3-day workweek, the earnings can still be substantial, ranging from $37.55 to $71.65 per hour depending on experience and expertise. The entry-level professionals can expect to start on the lower end of the pay scale, while top earners in the field can command impressive rates thanks to increasing demand for advanced imaging and sonographic skills, especially for specialties like cardiac echo or vascular sonography.
About the University Place 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) | $37.55 | $300.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.90 | $351.22 |
| Median (P50) | $53.31 | $426.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.82 | $454.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71.65 | $573.17 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University Place
Based on $53.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.31/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University Place, WA can expect to earn approximately $110,895 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,978. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in University Place.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University Place
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,132.60 | $9,241 | $110,895 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,279.56 | $5,545 | $66,537 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $853.04 | $3,697 | $44,358 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (University Place) | $53.31 |
| 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 University Place, WA earn a median of $110,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.41% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $113,035.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.31/hr = $66,537/year (purchasing power: $61,953).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $110,895/year (purchasing power: $103,254).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$39.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in University Place grew 30.0% from $39.10/hr (2019) to $50.81/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.94/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 University Place 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 University Place
The financial dynamics of part-time and per-diem work present intriguing opportunities for diagnostic medical sonographers in University Place. For those working three days a week, a 24-hour schedule yields an annual income that may be competitive with full-time roles, especially if they strategically negotiate their hourly rates. Per diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in University Place typically ranges from $55 to $80 per hour, with specialty areas like cardiac echocardiography offering even higher wages between $70 and $95 per hour. Travel contracts can provide substantial compensation as well, with weekly earnings often exceeding $2,000. However, the trade-offs are evident; many professionals might opt for lower hourly rates with hospitals or outpatient centers to secure health insurance benefits, while others may prefer the flexibility and potentially higher pay of freelance work. Thus, understanding the market and negotiating effectively based on location and employer type are key components of a successful career in this growing field.
More salary data for University Place, 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 University Place. 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 University Place 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