Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Huntington, WV: $39.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Huntington, WV runs $39.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,716 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Huntington's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.4, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,631 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Huntington, West Virginia, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $39.77 in 2026, significantly below the national median of $48.73. This disparity suggests a range of earning potential within the local market, where entry-level sonographers can expect hourly rates starting around $34.05 while more experienced professionals may reach the upper tier of $50.80. For part-time workers, such as those taking on shifts in hospitals or outpatient imaging centers three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a substantial weekly income, particularly in settings like cardiology labs and OB-GYN offices. The diverse environments where sonographers are employed also provide opportunities for per-diem positions, where hourly rates can fluctuate based on demand and specialty.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.05 | $272.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.75 | $310.01 |
| Median (P50) | $39.77 | $318.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.64 | $325.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.80 | $406.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntington
Based on $39.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.77/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntington, WV can expect to earn approximately $82,718 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,722. With a cost-of-living index of 88.42 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,590.74 | $6,893 | $82,718 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $954.44 | $4,136 | $49,631 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $636.30 | $2,757 | $33,087 |
Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Huntington) | $39.77 |
| 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 Huntington, WV earn a median of $82,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.39% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.60% below the West Virginia state average of $87,623.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.77/hr = $49,631/year (purchasing power: $56,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,718/year (purchasing power: $93,550).
CoL index: 88.422 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+31.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Huntington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Huntington grew 19.6% from $31.69/hr (2019) to $37.90/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $41.73/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 Huntington 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 Huntington
When considering part-time versus full-time work as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Huntington, the earning potential varies greatly. A sonographer working 24 hours weekly might take home around $49,632 annually, which is considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those opting for a per diem model, rates can be as high as $80 per hour, especially in specialized fields like cardiac echo, which often commands a premium pay tier. Travel contracts typically offer even more attractive pay, ranging from $2,000 to $3,200 per week. It's important for professionals to weigh the benefits of steady hourly rates against potential benefits such as health insurance from full-time positions. Negotiation can be beneficial in this context, especially when pursuing roles in diverse employer types from hospital systems to outpatient centers, ensuring they secure rates that reflect their skills and the current needs of the healthcare landscape in Huntington.
More salary data for Huntington, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Huntington in 2026?
How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Huntington?
Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Huntington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Huntington?
Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Huntington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in West Virginia
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 Huntington. 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, 7-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