Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Colorado: $113,528 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median diagnostic medical sonographer pay sits at $113,528/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2032. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $108,122 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Boulder ($114,620), Colorado Springs ($110,850), Arvada ($109,735).
In Colorado, the projected average median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2026 stands at $113,528, which is 12.0% higher than the national median of $101,352. The highest-paying city in the state is Boulder, with an expected salary of $120,271, while Golden offers the lowest at $103,503, creating a salary gap of $16,768. This difference can be attributed to varying demand levels, cost of living, and the presence of healthcare facilities in each area. Colorado requires sonographers to adhere to specific state licensing requirements and scope of practice laws, which can influence salary levels and job responsibilities. Factors driving demand for sonographers in the state include a growing population, advancements in imaging technology, and an emphasis on preventive healthcare. The job market for diagnostic medical sonographers shows a positive outlook, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.93% from 2025, suggesting that employment opportunities will continue to expand. Key cities for employment include Colorado Springs at $116,315, Arvada at $115,145, Centennial at $114,797, and Thornton at $114,218. This growth rate reflects the increasing recognition of the essential role that sonographers play in patient diagnosis and care.
Colorado Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $49,600 (lowest entry-level) to $162,104 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado diagnostic medical sonographers earn 12.01% more than the national median (+$12,176/year difference).
Colorado Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Distribution (2026)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries in Colorado range from $88,491 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $139,508 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $113,528. The Colorado median is $12,176 above the US national median of $101,352. The average hourly rate is $54.58/hr. Approximately 1,545 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$86,164
2025 BLS Actual
$108,194
2026 Current Est.
$113,528
2019–2027 Growth
+38.3%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,164 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,996 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,571 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $100,752 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,341 | Actual |
| 2025 | $108,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,528 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $119,124 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 25.6% from $86,164 (2019) to $108,194 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $119,124 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,960 (38.25%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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 Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Golden | $103,503 |
| Evans | $104,146 |
| Louisville | $104,755 |
| Grand Junction | $104,909 |
| Durango | $105,372 |
Best Value Cities for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for diagnostic medical sonographers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs | $116,315 | 100.707 | $115,498 |
| Pueblo | $105,948 | 91.762 | $115,460 |
| Boulder | $120,271 | 105.202 | $114,324 |
| Fort Collins | $111,152 | 101.128 | $109,912 |
| Grand Junction | $104,909 | 95.476 | $109,880 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $88,491 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $113,528 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $139,508 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boulder | $120,271 |
| 2 | Colorado Springs | $116,315 |
| 3 | Arvada | $115,145 |
| 4 | Centennial | $114,797 |
| 5 | Thornton | $114,218 |
| 6 | Denver | $113,755 |
| 7 | Westminster | $113,083 |
| 8 | Lakewood | $112,537 |
| 9 | Greeley | $111,620 |
| 10 | Parker | $111,467 |
| 11 | Erie | $111,266 |
| 12 | Aurora | $111,256 |
| 13 | Fort Collins | $111,152 |
| 14 | Windsor | $110,987 |
| 15 | Castle Rock | $110,773 |
| 16 | Broomfield | $110,737 |
| 17 | Longmont | $110,701 |
| 18 | Englewood | $109,852 |
| 19 | Commerce City | $109,089 |
| 20 | Lafayette | $108,831 |
| 21 | Loveland | $108,489 |
| 22 | Wheat Ridge | $108,203 |
| 23 | Brighton | $107,190 |
| 24 | Littleton | $106,832 |
| 25 | Fountain | $106,772 |
| 26 | Northglenn | $106,667 |
| 27 | Steamboat Springs | $106,040 |
| 28 | Pueblo | $105,948 |
| 29 | Durango | $105,372 |
| 30 | Grand Junction | $104,909 |
| 31 | Louisville | $104,755 |
| 32 | Evans | $104,146 |
| 33 | Golden | $103,503 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Colorado cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new diagnostic medical sonographers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Compare Cities in Colorado
View all comparisons →Explore More Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for diagnostic medical sonographers in Colorado?
How does Colorado diagnostic medical sonographer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Colorado?
How many diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado 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 Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 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