Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Dover, DE: $85,475 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Dover, DE earns a median $85,475/year (≈ $41.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Dover's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $84,046 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Dover, Delaware can expect a median annual salary of $85,475, a figure that reflects both regional demand and market conditions. The salary range for these professionals spans from $59,148 at the lower end to $108,349 for those at the upper end of the scale. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price levels and cost of living. It's notable that the sonography specialty can significantly impact pay, particularly in cardiac and vascular imaging roles, where professionals might experience a travel sonography premium that enhances their compensation. As healthcare facilities in Dover look to attract skilled sonographers, this specialized focus is likely to play an important role in job opportunities in the area.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,148 | $28.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $74,812 | $35.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,475 | $41.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,181 | $44.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,349 | $52.09 |
Median Salary Position
15.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, DE, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,201 (2026 est.). At $85,475, the local median is 15.67% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be above the median
How Dover Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Dover median: $85,475/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $86,251 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -15.67% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dover, DE earn a median of $85,475 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.67% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.90% below the Delaware state average of $86,251.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $85,475 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $84,046 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,678
2025 BLS Actual
$81,459
2026 Current Est.
$85,475
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,678 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,027 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,562 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,606 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,238 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,459 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,475 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,689 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $62,678 (2019) to $81,459 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $89,689 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,011 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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) | $59,148 – $74,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $74,812 – $85,475 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,475 – $92,181 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,181 – $108,349 |
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 Dover
With seven diagnostic medical sonographers currently employed in Dover, the local job market is relatively small but stable. The cost of living index in the region sits at 101.7, indicating that while living expenses may be slightly above the national average, salaries still provide reasonable purchasing power. Competitive pay in the area generally comes from hospitals, outpatient imaging centers, and specialty practices, with cardiac and vascular positions attracting higher salaries. Factors contributing to varied compensation levels include the chosen specialty, shift differentials, and additional roles such as applications specialists in vendor companies. To maximize earnings in the Dover market, sonographers should consider seeking certifications like RDMS or RVT, exploring roles in high-paying facilities, and being open to travel or mobile imaging positions that can add a bonus to their base salary.
More salary data for Dover, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Dover, DE in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Dover?
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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 $81,459 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Dover 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 Dover 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