Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Benton, AR: $86,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Benton, AR earns a median $86,284/year (≈ $41.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Benton's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $99,291 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2026 is $86,284, a figure that demonstrates a notable gap compared to the national median of $101,352. Salary estimates for local sonographers range from $60,277 at the 10th percentile to $110,686 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the profession. These figures, derived from state-level Bureau of Labor Statistics data and adjusted for regional price disparities, highlight the unique economic landscape of Benton. It’s essential to recognize that specialties in sonography, particularly cardiac echo, tend to command higher salaries than other fields, making a significant impact on earnings in this local market.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,277 | $28.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,954 | $34.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,284 | $41.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,591 | $44.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,686 | $53.21 |
Median Salary Position
14.87% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Benton
In Benton, AR, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,409 (2026 est.). At $86,284, the local median is 14.87% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Benton: You'd be above the median
How Benton Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Benton median: $86,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Benton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $88,045 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -14.87% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Benton, AR earn a median of $86,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.87% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $88,045.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Benton has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Benton, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $86,284 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,291 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,271
2025 BLS Actual
$82,230
2026 Current Est.
$86,284
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,271 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,633 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,182 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,256 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,912 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,187 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,538 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Benton metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $63,271 (2019) to $82,230 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,538 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,267 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,277 – $70,954 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,954 – $86,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,284 – $93,591 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,591 – $110,686 |
DMS salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual diagnostic medical sonographer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Job Market in Benton
With only five diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Benton, the job market's size is relatively small, yet it is crucial to understand the economic context and the cost of living, which stands at 86.9—below the national average. This indicates that take-home pay may stretch further here than in more expensive regions. Employers such as large hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging chains like RadNet and SimonMed are known for competitive compensation. The disparity between lower and higher pay may also arise from differences in specialty, time commitment regarding call coverage, and the added benefits of travel sonography roles. To maximize earnings in Benton, aspiring sonographers should pursue specialty credentials, such as RDCS or RVT, network actively, and consider positions within high-demand areas like cardiology and vascular surgery, where the earning potential is notably greater.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Benton, AR in 2026?
Is Benton, AR a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Benton?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Benton?
How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make per hour in Benton?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $82,230 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Benton metropolitan area. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton 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