Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Fresno, CA: $113,062 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Fresno, CA earns a median $113,062/year (≈ $54.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Fresno's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 102.2), that paycheck buys what $110,674 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.2% below the California state average.
Official BLS data · View source
As of 2026, the average diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Fresno, California is projected at $113,062, illustrating a solid compensation framework for specialists in the region, particularly for those focusing on cardiac echo modalities which generally command higher pay. The salary range for sonographers spans from $80,964 at the lower decile to $171,970 at the higher end, demonstrating the lucrative potential of advanced specialties and varied experience levels. This salary data derives from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys projected to 2026, highlighting a favorable environment for diagnostics professionals in Fresno. In comparison to the national median of $101,352, Fresno's compensation indicates a promising premium, reflecting not only the demand for skilled sonographers but also the strategic role of various healthcare providers in the local market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,964 | $38.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $101,100 | $48.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $113,062 | $54.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $142,915 | $68.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $171,970 | $82.68 |
Median Salary Position
11.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fresno
In Fresno, CA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $91,006 (2026 est.). At $113,062, the local median is 11.55% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fresno: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fresno Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Fresno median: $113,062/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fresno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $136,548 | -17.20% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +11.55% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Fresno, CA earn a median of $113,062 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.55% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 17.20% below the California state average of $136,548.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fresno has a cost of living 2.16% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fresno, CA has a cost-of-living index of 102.158 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $113,062 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $110,674 — a 2.11% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,850
2025 BLS Actual
$107,750
2026 Current Est.
$113,062
2019–2027 Growth
+25.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Fresno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,850 | Actual |
| 2020 | $97,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,910 | Actual |
| 2023 | $118,040 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,320 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,062 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,636 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fresno metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 13.6% from $94,850 (2019) to $107,750 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,636 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,786 (25.08%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fresno 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) | $80,964 – $101,100 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $101,100 – $113,062 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $113,062 – $142,915 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $142,915 – $171,970 |
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 Fresno
Examining the local job market reveals that 390 diagnostic medical sonographers are currently employed in Fresno, with the cost of living index standing at 102.158, slightly above the national average. This cost of living reality influences the actual buying power of sonographers, prompting many to consider their employment options carefully. Among the highest-paying employers are hospital imaging departments and specialized practices in cardiology and vascular surgery, alongside outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed. The salary variance in Fresno can be attributed to factors including specialty focus—where cardiac sonographers typically earn the most—shift differentials for night or on-call shifts, and additional income opportunities such as travel sonography or applications specialist roles. To maximize pay in this market, candidates may consider pursuing advanced certifications such as RDCS or RVT, aiming for specialized positions, and staying updated on industry trends to leverage negotiation discussions effectively.
More salary data for Fresno, 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 $107,750 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Fresno 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
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