Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Costa Mesa, CA: $137,283 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Costa Mesa, CA earns a median $137,283/year (≈ $66.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Costa Mesa's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $121,382 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Costa Mesa, California, is expected to reach $137,283, significantly surpassing the national median of $101,352 by approximately 35.45%. With a salary range spanning from $95,338 at the 10th percentile to $189,847 at the 90th percentile, it's evident that variation in compensation is influenced by factors such as specialty and experience. The local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price disparities, highlight a lucrative market for professionals with the right credentials. For cardiac echo sonographers, who typically earn the highest wages, the growth potential appears robust, suggesting a competitive landscape in this specialized field within the Costa Mesa area.
About the Costa Mesa Market
Salary estimated from California average ($124,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,338 | $45.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $112,804 | $54.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,283 | $66.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $155,468 | $74.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,847 | $91.27 |
Median Salary Position
35.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Costa Mesa
In Costa Mesa, CA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $94,509 (2026 est.). At $137,283, the local median is 35.45% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Costa Mesa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Costa Mesa Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Costa Mesa median: $137,283/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Costa Mesa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,600 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +35.45% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Costa Mesa, CA earn a median of $137,283 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.45% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.50% above the California state average of $136,600.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Costa Mesa has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Costa Mesa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $137,283 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $121,382 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$100,668
2025 BLS Actual
$130,833
2026 Current Est.
$137,283
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Costa Mesa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $100,668 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,835 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,300 | Actual |
| 2022 | $110,190 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,416 | Actual |
| 2024 | $140,916 | Actual |
| 2025 | $130,833 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,283 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,051 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Costa Mesa metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $100,668 (2019) to $130,833 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,051 by 2027 — a total increase of $43,383 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Costa Mesa 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) | $95,338 – $112,804 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $112,804 – $137,283 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,283 – $155,468 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $155,468 – $189,847 |
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 Costa Mesa
The job market in Costa Mesa employs about 23 diagnostic medical sonographers, indicating a niche but concentrated workforce. The cost of living index at 113.1 suggests that even with competitive salaries, purchasing power may be a concern. However, employers such as local hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet may offer the highest compensation packages, especially for specialized positions in cardiac or vascular sonography. Factors that contribute to the pay gradient include shift differentials for evening or weekend work and premiums for travel positions. To maximize earnings in this dynamic environment, sonographers should consider advancing their credentials through ARDMS and SDMS certifications, pursue roles in high-demand specialties, and seek opportunities in mobile imaging or leadership positions where salaries are often higher.
More salary data for Costa Mesa, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Costa Mesa, CA in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Costa Mesa?
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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 $130,833 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa 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