Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Smyrna, DE: $79,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Smyrna, DE earns a median $79,906/year (≈ $38.41/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (2% above national, BEA RPP 101.7), that paycheck buys what $78,570 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Delaware state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Diagnostic medical sonographers in Smyrna, DE, can expect a median annual salary of $79,906 in 2026, reflecting competitive compensation in a market where travel sonography often boosts earnings, particularly for cardiac and vascular specialists. This salary spans a range from $61,433 at the 10th percentile to $100,248 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the diverse opportunities available based on specialty and experience level. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors, revealing the necessity of specialty expertise in commanding higher wages. With an upward trend in job openings, the local market is poised for growth, especially as healthcare facilities seek to meet increasing patient needs.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,433 | $29.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,281 | $33.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,906 | $38.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,127 | $41.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,248 | $48.19 |
Median Salary Position
21.16% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, DE, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,815 (2026 est.). At $79,906, the local median is 21.16% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Smyrna: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Smyrna Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $79,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware Average | $86,292 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -21.16% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Smyrna, DE earn a median of $79,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.16% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 7.40% below the Delaware state average of $86,292.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 1.70% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, DE has a cost-of-living index of 101.7 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $79,906 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $78,570 — a 1.67% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,594
2025 BLS Actual
$76,152
2026 Current Est.
$79,906
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,594 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,856 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,291 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,137 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,597 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,143 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,152 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $83,846 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $58,594 (2019) to $76,152 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $83,846 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,252 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $61,433 – $69,281 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,281 – $79,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,906 – $86,127 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,127 – $100,248 |
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 Smyrna
When looking at the job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Smyrna, it's notable that only five individuals are currently employed in this field, suggesting a tight-knit and potentially competitive environment. The area's cost-of-living index of 101.7 indicates that while expenses are slightly above the national average, salaries remain relatively lower than the national median of $101,352, affecting purchasing power. Local employers that typically offer higher pay include hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, which have emerged as vital parts of the healthcare landscape. Factors such as specialty—where cardiac professionals often lead in compensation—shift differentials, and travel sonography premiums contribute to the significant salary range observed. For those interested in maximizing their diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Smyrna, DE, pursuing specialized credentials from ARDMS, such as RDCS or RVT, and seeking positions that offer shift differentials or travel benefits can enhance earning potential substantially.
More salary data for Smyrna, DE:
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 $76,152 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Smyrna 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 Smyrna 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