Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Steamboat Springs, CO: $106,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Steamboat Springs, CO earns a median $106,040/year (≈ $50.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Steamboat Springs's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $100,990 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, can expect a median annual salary of $106,040, slightly above the national median of $101,352. The salary range for this profession in the area spans from $75,678 at the 10th percentile to as high as $136,543 at the 90th percentile. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, reflecting the higher demand for specialized skills such as cardiac echocardiography. With the healthcare landscape continually evolving, the job prospects for sonographers in Steamboat Springs are promising, particularly for those holding advanced credentials and specialties.
About the Steamboat Springs Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,678 | $36.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,250 | $45.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $106,040 | $50.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,547 | $54.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $136,543 | $65.64 |
Median Salary Position
4.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Steamboat Springs
In Steamboat Springs, CO, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,865 (2026 est.). At $106,040, the local median is 4.63% above the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Steamboat Springs: You'd be above the median
How Steamboat Springs Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Steamboat Springs median: $106,040/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Steamboat Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $112,450 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +4.63% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Steamboat Springs, CO earn a median of $106,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.63% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 5.70% below the Colorado state average of $112,450.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Steamboat Springs has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Steamboat Springs, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $106,040 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $100,990 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,758
2025 BLS Actual
$101,058
2026 Current Est.
$106,040
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Steamboat Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,758 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,432 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,336 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,113 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,377 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,091 | Actual |
| 2025 | $101,058 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $106,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,268 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Steamboat Springs metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $77,758 (2019) to $101,058 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,268 by 2027 — a total increase of $33,510 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Steamboat Springs 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) | $75,678 – $94,250 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,250 – $106,040 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $106,040 – $112,547 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,547 – $136,543 |
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 Steamboat Springs
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently four diagnostic medical sonographers employed in Steamboat Springs. Considering the cost of living index of 105, which is above the national average, professionals might find that their purchasing power varies significantly, depending on their salary within the established ranges. Top employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed tend to offer the most competitive compensation packages. The variance in salary can stem from factors like specialization, with cardiac sonographers generally commanding higher pay than those in vascular or OB-GYN practices. To maximize earning potential, sonographers in Steamboat Springs may consider pursuing further specialty certifications, seeking roles that offer shift differentials or call coverage, and exploring opportunities in travel sonography, which often provide premium compensation.
More salary data for Steamboat Springs, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Steamboat Springs, CO in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Steamboat Springs?
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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 $101,058 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Steamboat Springs 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 Steamboat Springs 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