Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Alhambra, CA: $134,630 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Alhambra, CA earns a median $134,630/year (≈ $64.73/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Alhambra's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $119,036 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Alhambra, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $134,630, which significantly outpaces the national median of $101,352 by 32.83%. This competitive compensation reflects a salary range between $99,398 at the 10th percentile and $182,658 at the 90th percentile, indicating robust earning potential in a market shaped by high demand and a specialized workforce. The figures presented are local estimates drawn from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for California's higher cost of living, particularly evident in Alhambra's cost of living index of 113.1. The presence of specialty services such as cardiac and vascular imaging also influences potential earnings, as practitioners in these areas often command higher rates due to their advanced skill sets.
About the Alhambra Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,398 | $47.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $114,749 | $55.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,630 | $64.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,908 | $70.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $182,658 | $87.82 |
Median Salary Position
32.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alhambra
In Alhambra, CA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,260 (2026 est.). At $134,630, the local median is 32.83% above the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Alhambra: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alhambra Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Alhambra median: $134,630/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alhambra Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,681 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +32.83% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alhambra, CA earn a median of $134,630 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.83% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.50% below the California state average of $136,681.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alhambra has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alhambra, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,630 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $119,036 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$98,723
2025 BLS Actual
$128,305
2026 Current Est.
$134,630
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Alhambra (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,723 | Actual |
| 2020 | $100,848 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,061 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,205 | Actual |
| 2024 | $138,192 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,305 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,630 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,268 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alhambra metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $98,723 (2019) to $128,305 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,545 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alhambra 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) | $99,398 – $114,749 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $114,749 – $134,630 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,630 – $145,908 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,908 – $182,658 |
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 Alhambra
With 13 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Alhambra, job opportunities remain relatively stable, although the local job market is competitive. The cost of living index indicates that while salaries are higher than the national average, everyday expenses can take a toll on purchasing power. Employers across various sectors, including hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and specialized practices such as cardiology and OB-GYN, contribute to widespread earning variability. The disparity in pay is influenced by several factors: specialty skills, such as cardiac sonography often lead the pay scale, while shift differentials and travel premiums also play a role in enhancing overall compensation. To maximize earnings in this local market, diagnostic medical sonographers should consider seeking advanced certifications such as RDMS or RDCS and remain flexible to opportunities with travel agencies or mobile imaging companies that offer additional perks.
More salary data for Alhambra, CA:
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
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 $128,305 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Alhambra 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 Alhambra 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