Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Boston, MA: $114,584 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Boston, MA earns a median $114,584/year (≈ $55.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Boston's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 108.3), that paycheck buys what $105,836 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the Massachusetts state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boston, Massachusetts, the competitive market for diagnostic medical sonographers offers a substantial median annual pay of $114,584, which is notably higher than the national median of $101,352. The salary range is also robust, spanning from $103,524 at the 10th percentile to $142,505 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, highlights the advantage of working in urban hospital settings versus outpatient chains, where compensation structures can vary. With Boston’s strong demand for skilled professionals in this field, job seekers and current sonographers can find promising opportunities and competitive payscales tailored to specialized roles.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,524 | $49.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,190 | $52.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $114,584 | $55.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $136,105 | $65.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,505 | $68.51 |
Median Salary Position
13.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Boston
In Boston, MA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,981 (2026 est.). At $114,584, the local median is 13.06% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Boston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Boston Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Boston median: $114,584/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Boston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $109,965 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +13.06% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Boston, MA earn a median of $114,584 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.06% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 4.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $109,965.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Boston has a cost of living 8.27% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Boston, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.266 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $114,584 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $105,836 — a 7.63% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,320
2025 BLS Actual
$109,200
2026 Current Est.
$114,584
2019–2027 Growth
+37.7%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,320 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,800 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $114,584 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $120,233 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Boston metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 25.1% from $87,320 (2019) to $109,200 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $120,233 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,913 (37.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Boston 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) | $103,524 – $109,190 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,190 – $114,584 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $114,584 – $136,105 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $136,105 – $142,505 |
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 Boston
Analyzing the local job market reveals that approximately 1,590 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in Boston, MA, reflecting a dynamic landscape for professionals in this sector. However, the cost of living in the area, with a cost-of-living index of 108.266, indicates that while salaries are higher, expenses may also be proportionately elevated, impacting overall purchasing power. Employers within hospital imaging departments tend to offer the highest compensation, particularly for specialized roles like cardiac and vascular sonography; these areas command premium pay due to the advanced skills involved. Factors contributing to variations in pay include specialties, shift differentials, travel contracts, and lead positions. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Boston, pursuing additional credentials such as RDCS or RVT and seeking placements in high-demand areas can be effective strategies in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
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 $109,200 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Boston 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