Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Arkansas: $89,426 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arkansas's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median diagnostic medical sonographer pay sits at $89,426/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2032. Because Arkansas sits at BEA RPP 86.9 (13% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $102,907 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Fort Smith ($100,140), Rogers ($86,208), Springdale ($86,147).
In 2026, the average median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Arkansas is projected to be $89,426, which is approximately 11.8% lower than the national median of $101,352. Within the state, Fort Smith offers the highest salary at $105,077, while Van Buren has the lowest at $81,754, reflecting a salary gap of $23,323. This discrepancy can be attributed to varying cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in different areas. Arkansas has specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that affect the roles of sonographers. As the healthcare industry continues to expand, driven by an increasing focus on preventive care and technological advancements in medical imaging, the job market for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%. With a total of 577 sonographers employed across the state, cities like Rogers ($90,458), Springdale ($90,394), Fayetteville ($89,002), and Jacksonville ($87,439) also show competitive salary figures. Overall, the outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers in Arkansas indicates a steady demand in the coming years, shaped by an evolving healthcare landscape and demographic needs.
Arkansas Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arkansas: $57,635 (lowest entry-level) to $120,788 (highest top earner)
Arkansas vs National Average
Arkansas diagnostic medical sonographers earn 11.77% less than the national median ($-11,926/year difference).
Arkansas Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Distribution (2026)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries in Arkansas range from $69,630 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $108,914 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $89,426. The Arkansas median is $11,926 below the US national median of $101,352. The average hourly rate is $42.99/hr. Approximately 577 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$65,095
2025 BLS Actual
$85,224
2026 Current Est.
$89,426
2019–2027 Growth
+44.2%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Arkansas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,095 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,986 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,214 | Actual |
| 2022 | $75,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $75,634 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,547 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,224 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,426 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arkansas metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.9% from $65,095 (2019) to $85,224 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,740 (44.15%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arkansas 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Lowest Paying Cities in Arkansas
Best Value Cities for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Arkansas
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arkansas cities offer the most purchasing power for diagnostic medical sonographers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Smith | $105,077 | 85.888 | $122,342 |
| Rogers | $90,458 | 86.9 | $104,094 |
| Springdale | $90,394 | 86.9 | $104,021 |
| Jacksonville | $87,439 | 86.9 | $100,620 |
| Bentonville | $87,009 | 86.9 | $100,125 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $69,630 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $89,426 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $108,914 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arkansas metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Arkansas
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fort Smith | $105,077 |
| 2 | Rogers | $90,458 |
| 3 | Springdale | $90,394 |
| 4 | Fayetteville | $89,002 |
| 5 | Jacksonville | $87,439 |
| 6 | Bentonville | $87,009 |
| 7 | Texarkana | $86,717 |
| 8 | Benton | $86,284 |
| 9 | Little Rock | $86,252 |
| 10 | Hot Springs | $86,202 |
| 11 | Paragould | $86,037 |
| 12 | Pine Bluff | $85,969 |
| 13 | Jonesboro | $85,917 |
| 14 | Sherwood | $85,573 |
| 15 | Russellville | $85,122 |
| 16 | North Little Rock | $84,980 |
| 17 | Cabot | $84,739 |
| 18 | Conway | $84,420 |
| 19 | Searcy | $83,854 |
| 20 | Bryant | $83,224 |
| 21 | Van Buren | $81,754 |
More Arkansas Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Arkansas cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new diagnostic medical sonographers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Explore More Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Arkansas in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for diagnostic medical sonographers in Arkansas?
How does Arkansas diagnostic medical sonographer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Arkansas?
How many diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in Arkansas?
Which Arkansas city offers the best value for diagnostic medical sonographers?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 diagnostic medical sonographer compensation across Arkansas. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 metro areas — larger metro areas with more diagnostic medical sonographerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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