Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Atlanta, GA: $93,325 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Atlanta, GA earns a median $93,325/year (≈ $44.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Atlanta's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 100.1), that paycheck buys what $93,271 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.3% above the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Atlanta, Georgia, is $93,325, which reflects a 7.92% decrease compared to the national median of $101,352. The salary range within the area varies significantly, with the lower 10% earning approximately $72,947 and the top 90% making around $113,608. These figures, derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS data, illustrate a competitive salary landscape for those working in specialized fields such as cardiac echo sonography compared to general sonography, where the earnings potential is notably higher. As Atlanta continues to grow as a hub for healthcare services, especially in cardiology and vascular units, opportunities for specialized practitioners increase, driving demand in this sector.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,947 | $35.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $84,101 | $40.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $93,325 | $44.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,347 | $51.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,608 | $54.62 |
Median Salary Position
7.92% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Atlanta
In Atlanta, GA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,661 (2026 est.). At $93,325, the local median is 7.92% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Atlanta: You'd be above the median
How Atlanta Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Atlanta median: $93,325/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Atlanta Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $83,103 | +12.30% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -7.92% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Atlanta, GA earn a median of $93,325 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.92% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 12.30% above the Georgia state average of $83,103.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Atlanta has a cost of living 0.06% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Atlanta, GA has a cost-of-living index of 100.058 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $93,325 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $93,271 — a 0.06% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,010
2025 BLS Actual
$88,940
2026 Current Est.
$93,325
2019–2027 Growth
+55.4%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,100 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,360 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,940 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,325 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,926 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Atlanta metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 41.2% from $63,010 (2019) to $88,940 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,926 by 2027 — a total increase of $34,916 (55.41%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Atlanta 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) | $72,947 – $84,101 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $84,101 – $93,325 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $93,325 – $106,347 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,347 – $113,608 |
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 Atlanta
Analysts have reported that Atlanta's healthcare market employs about 1,380 diagnostic medical sonographers, creating ample job openings across various facilities. The cost-of-living index in Atlanta is slightly above the national average at 100.058, which impacts disposable income and purchasing power for residents. Hospitals and specialized practices tend to offer the highest pay, particularly those within cardiology and vascular surgery. Factors such as shift differentials for night and weekend work, travel sonography premiums, and roles in applications and supervisory positions contribute to salary variations. To maximize earnings in the Atlanta market, pursuing additional specialized credentials such as RDCS or RVT, and considering employment with high-paying employers like outpatient imaging centers (e.g., RadNet, SimonMed) can significantly enhance one's salary potential. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those wondering how much diagnostic medical sonographers make in Atlanta and how they can capitalize on the local healthcare job market.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 $88,940 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Atlanta 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
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