Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Des Moines, IA: $91,373 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Des Moines, IA earns a median $91,373/year (≈ $43.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Des Moines's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.7), that paycheck buys what $99,642 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% above the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Des Moines, the projected annual salary for a diagnostic medical sonographer is $91,373, marking a significant earning potential that, while competitive locally, lags behind the national median of $101,352. The salary spectrum in Des Moines ranges from $81,961 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $106,609 for those at the top of the pay scale (90th percentile). This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, illustrates the variation within the field, particularly highlighting how specialized roles, such as cardiac echo sonographers, tend to command higher pay compared to those focused on general sonography. As the market for sonographic services continues to evolve, these salary figures indicate the vital role of specialty training and skills in determining compensation levels in Des Moines.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,961 | $39.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,449 | $42.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,373 | $43.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,503 | $49.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,609 | $51.25 |
Median Salary Position
9.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Moines
In Des Moines, IA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,648 (2026 est.). At $91,373, the local median is 9.85% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Moines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Moines Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Des Moines median: $91,373/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Moines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $86,939 | +5.10% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -9.85% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Des Moines, IA earn a median of $91,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.85% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.10% above the Iowa state average of $86,939.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Moines has a cost of living 8.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Moines, IA has a cost-of-living index of 91.701 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $91,373 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,642 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.05% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,470
2025 BLS Actual
$87,080
2026 Current Est.
$91,373
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Des Moines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,470 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,080 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,373 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,878 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Moines metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 13.9% from $76,470 (2019) to $87,080 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,878 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,408 (25.38%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Moines 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) | $81,961 – $87,449 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,449 – $91,373 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,373 – $103,503 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,503 – $106,609 |
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 Des Moines
In terms of the local job market, Des Moines currently employs around 170 diagnostic medical sonographers, reflecting a robust demand for their skills. The cost of living in the area sits at an index of 91.701, which is below the national average, suggesting that the purchasing power of this salary can be quite favorable. Institutions such as hospital imaging departments and larger outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed typically offer the most competitive salaries, while specialized practices focusing on cardiology or vascular surgery also pay well. The pay differential in Des Moines often hinges on factors such as the specific ultrasound specialty, additional shift differentials, travel sonography opportunities, and roles that involve supervisory responsibilities. To maximize earnings, sonographers should consider pursuing advanced specialty credentials, such as RDCS or RVT, and explore opportunities in diverse imaging settings, as these strategies can enhance their marketability and compensation potential significantly.
More salary data for Des Moines, IA:
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 $87,080 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Des Moines 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