Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Ellicott City, MD: $111,253 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Ellicott City, MD earns a median $111,253/year (≈ $53.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Ellicott City's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $101,787 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.4% above the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellicott City, Maryland, diagnostic medical sonographers can anticipate a robust median annual salary of $111,253 for 2026, which eclipses the national median of $101,352. This figure reflects local market conditions and incorporates adjustments for regional cost factors, showcasing a salary range that extends from $76,642 at the 10th percentile to $144,070 at the 90th percentile. These earnings are particularly attractive for cardiac and vascular specialists, where the travel sonography premium plays a significant role in boosting compensation. With the employment rate for this profession at a modest 15 in the area, the competitive pay structure highlights Ellicott City as a promising location for aspiring diagnostic medical sonographers.
About the Ellicott City Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,642 | $36.85 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $90,701 | $43.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,253 | $53.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,690 | $58.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,070 | $69.26 |
Median Salary Position
9.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ellicott City
In Ellicott City, MD, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,428 (2026 est.). At $111,253, the local median is 9.77% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ellicott City: You'd be above the median
How Ellicott City Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Ellicott City median: $111,253/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ellicott City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $110,810 | +0.40% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +9.77% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Ellicott City, MD earn a median of $111,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.77% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 0.40% above the Maryland state average of $110,810.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ellicott City has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ellicott City, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $111,253 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $101,787 — a 8.51% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$81,580
2025 BLS Actual
$106,026
2026 Current Est.
$111,253
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Ellicott City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,297 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,722 | Actual |
| 2024 | $100,988 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,026 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,253 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,738 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ellicott City metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $81,580 (2019) to $106,026 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,738 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,158 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ellicott City 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) | $76,642 – $90,701 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $90,701 – $111,253 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,253 – $120,690 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,690 – $144,070 |
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 Ellicott City
Focusing on the local job market dynamics, the current cost-of-living index in Ellicott City stands at 109.3, which is elevated compared to the national average. This suggests that while salaries are competitive, purchasing power may be impacted by higher living costs. Among employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the most lucrative positions, followed closely by outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, as well as specialized clinics in cardiology and vascular surgery. Factors contributing to the disparity in pay include specialty areas—with cardiac sonographers generally earning more—shift differentials, and additional income from travel assignments or vendor support roles. For those looking to maximize their earnings in this specific market, acquiring multiple credentials such as RDCS or RVT and seeking out opportunities for supervisory roles or specialized training can be advantageous strategies.
More salary data for Ellicott City, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Ellicott City, MD in 2026?
Is Ellicott City, MD a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Ellicott City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Ellicott City?
How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make per hour in Ellicott City?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Maryland
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 $106,026 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City 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