Sonographer Pay

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay in Wauwatosa, WI: $49.52 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a diagnostic medical sonographer working in Wauwatosa, WI runs $49.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Weighted against Wauwatosa's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,797 per year.

$102,995
Median Annual Salary
$49.52/hr
Hourly Rate
$75,336
Entry Level (P10)
$135,337
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Rate in Wauwatosa, WI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Wauwatosa, WI diagnostic medical sonographer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, the diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay is projected to be $49.52 in 2026, which is slightly higher than the national median of $48.73. This competitive rate allows for attractive earning opportunities, especially for part-time sonographers working three days a week in environments like hospital ultrasound suites, outpatient imaging centers, and cardiology labs. The hourly wage ranges from $36.22 for entry-level positions to $65.07 for experienced professionals. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and reflect the city’s local market demand, making it an appealing choice for both full-time staff and per-diem workers.

About the Wauwatosa Market

Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$36.22$289.77
Lower Range (P25)$41.76$334.10
Median (P50)$49.52$396.13
Upper Range (P75)$54.80$438.44
Top Earners (P90)$65.07$520.54

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wauwatosa

Based on $49.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a diagnostic medical sonographer in Wauwatosa earning $49.52/hr would make approximately $59,420 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $102,994 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$59,420Reduced (32 hr/wk)$79,226Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$102,994

At $49.52/hr, a diagnostic medical sonographer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wauwatosa, WI can expect to earn approximately $102,994 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,420. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wauwatosa.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$396.13
per 8hr shift
$1,980.66
per week
$8,583
per month
$102,994
per year

Schedule Comparison in Wauwatosa

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,980.66$8,583$102,994
Part-Time (24 hrs)$1,188.40$5,150$61,797
Per Diem (16 hrs)$792.26$3,433$41,198

Compare DMS Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Wauwatosa)$49.52
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
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in Wauwatosa ($102,995) with Wisconsin average ($108,645) and the US national median ($101,352).Wauwatosa$102,995Wisconsin Avg$108,645-5.20%US National$101,352+1.62%

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Wauwatosa, WI earn a median of $102,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.62% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 5.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $108,645.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $49.52/hr = $61,797/year (purchasing power: $66,163).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,994/year (purchasing power: $110,272).

CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$36.31/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$47.19/hr

2026 Current Est.

$49.52/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Wauwatosa (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in Wauwatosa. Baseline $36.31/hr in 2025, projected to $51.96/hr by 2027.$30$37$43$49$562019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$36.31$37.09$37.98$39.74$41.27$34.06$47.19$49.52$51.96
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$36.31/hrActual
2020$37.09/hrActual
2021$37.98/hrActual
2022$39.74/hrActual
2023$41.27/hrActual
2024$34.06/hrActual
2025$47.19/hrActual
2026(current)$49.52/hrEstimated
2027$51.96/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Wauwatosa grew 30.0% from $36.31/hr (2019) to $47.19/hr (2025). At a 4.93% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.96/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wauwatosa metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Wauwatosa

For a diagnostic medical sonographer working part-time in Wauwatosa, earning a median hourly wage can translate to a substantial annual income, even on a 24-hour workweek. Many part-time workers can expect to take home around $49,500 yearly, contrasting significantly with full-time counterparts who enjoy additional benefits. Per-diem diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Wauwatosa varies widely, with rates typically ranging from $55 to $80 per hour, and specialized cardiac echo sonographers able to command up to $95 hourly. Employers, such as outpatient imaging centers and hospitals, often offer varied pay scales depending on the services provided, with sonographers in mobile imaging companies or travel agencies frequently earning premium rates. While some professionals opt for lower hourly rates for stable health benefits, others may prefer the flexibility and higher compensation that comes with fewer hours. For successful negotiation in this job market, emphasizing specialized credentials like RDMS or RDCS can be a decisive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Wauwatosa in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in Wauwatosa is $49.52/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Rates range from $36.22 at entry level (10th percentile) to $65.07 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 1.6% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time diagnostic medical sonographers make in Wauwatosa?

A part-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Wauwatosa earns approximately $5,150/month, or $61,797/year at the median hourly rate of $49.52. Many diagnostic medical sonographers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are diagnostic medical sonographers in Wauwatosa paid hourly or salary?

The majority of diagnostic medical sonographers in Wauwatosa are paid hourly at a median rate of $49.52/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $102,994/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time diagnostic medical sonographer make per year in Wauwatosa?

A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Wauwatosa earns approximately $102,994/year at the median hourly rate of $49.52. This is 1.6% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $135,340/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do diagnostic medical sonographers earn more per hour working part-time in Wauwatosa?

Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers in Wauwatosa sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $65.07/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Wisconsin

AK

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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 Wauwatosa. 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 Wauwatosa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

Last verified: