Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Lakewood, CO: $112,537 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Lakewood, CO earns a median $112,537/year (≈ $54.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Lakewood's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $107,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those pursuing a career as a diagnostic medical sonographer in Lakewood, Colorado, can anticipate a median annual salary of $112,537. This figure reflects the local market's compensation levels and is notably higher than the national median of $101,352. Salary ranges for this role vary widely, starting at approximately $80,667 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $154,709 for those with advanced experience and specialization. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the distinct pay implications based on whether professionals work in hospital imaging departments or outpatient centers. As Lakewood's healthcare landscape evolves, the choice of employer remains a pivotal factor in determining salary outcomes.
About the Lakewood Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,667 | $38.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,375 | $45.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,537 | $54.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,899 | $61.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $154,709 | $74.37 |
Median Salary Position
11.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lakewood
In Lakewood, CO, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $74,042 (2026 est.). At $112,537, the local median is 11.04% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lakewood: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lakewood Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Lakewood median: $112,537/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lakewood Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $112,425 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +11.04% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lakewood, CO earn a median of $112,537 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.04% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.10% above the Colorado state average of $112,425.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lakewood has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lakewood, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,537 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $107,178 — a 4.76% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$82,522
2025 BLS Actual
$107,250
2026 Current Est.
$112,537
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Lakewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,522 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,320 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,792 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,672 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,250 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,537 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,086 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lakewood metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $82,522 (2019) to $107,250 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,086 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,564 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakewood 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) | $80,667 – $94,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,375 – $112,537 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,537 – $126,899 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,899 – $154,709 |
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 Lakewood
The local job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Lakewood employs about 27 professionals, reflecting a competitive but growing sector with an annual growth rate of 4.93%. With a cost-of-living index of 105, the purchasing power of salaries in this area commands consideration when assessing take-home pay. Employers such as hospital imaging departments generally offer higher pay than outpatient imaging chains like RadNet or SimonMed, though these outpatient facilities can also provide solid compensation. Key factors driving salary variation here include specialization, as cardiac sonographers tend to command the highest earnings, followed by vascular and OB-GYN specialties. Additional income opportunities can arise from shift differentials and roles in travel sonography, which often pay premiums. For those looking to maximize their diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Lakewood, focusing on advanced certifications and pursuing specialty credentials through ARDMS can lead to more lucrative positions.
More salary data for Lakewood, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Lakewood, CO in 2026?
Is Lakewood, CO a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Lakewood?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Lakewood?
How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make per hour in Lakewood?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Colorado
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 $107,250 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Lakewood 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 Lakewood 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