Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Natchitoches, LA: $80,414 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Natchitoches, LA earns a median $80,414/year (≈ $38.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Natchitoches's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $89,052 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Natchitoches, Louisiana, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $80,414, which is significantly lower than the national median of $101,352. Salary estimations indicate a range from $62,645 at the 10th percentile to $102,373 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the potential for advancement through specialization and experience. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for local cost of living variations. In Natchitoches, the market is influenced by the higher salary averages for cardiac echo specialists, reflecting the specialized skills that these positions require, as opposed to those in general sonography.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,645 | $30.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,574 | $33.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $80,414 | $38.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,384 | $40.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,373 | $49.22 |
Median Salary Position
20.66% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Natchitoches
In Natchitoches, LA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,728 (2026 est.). At $80,414, the local median is 20.66% below the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Natchitoches: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Natchitoches Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Natchitoches median: $80,414/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Natchitoches Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $86,097 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -20.66% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $80,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.66% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $86,097.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Natchitoches has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Natchitoches, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $80,414 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,052 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,967
2025 BLS Actual
$76,636
2026 Current Est.
$80,414
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,236 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $64,544 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,068 | Actual |
| 2025 | $76,636 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $80,414 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,379 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Natchitoches metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $58,967 (2019) to $76,636 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,379 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,412 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Natchitoches 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) | $62,645 – $70,574 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,574 – $80,414 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $80,414 – $84,384 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,384 – $102,373 |
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 Natchitoches
In the local job market, only six diagnostic medical sonographers are currently employed, underscoring a compact workforce in Natchitoches. The cost of living index is set at 90.3, which allows for a relatively favorable purchasing power despite the lower average salaries compared to national standards. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments and specialized practices, such as those in cardiology and vascular medicine, often provide the highest compensation. The variance in pay within the field can be attributed to specialties, where those focused on cardiac echo typically command above-average wages. Additionally, factors like shift differentials, call coverage premiums, and opportunities for roles as applications specialists or supervisors can further enhance earnings. For those looking to maximize their salaries in this market, pursuing additional certifications through ARDMS, specializing in high-demand areas, and considering travel sonography positions could prove beneficial.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Natchitoches, LA in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Natchitoches?
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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 $76,636 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches 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