Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Moorhead, MN: $96,011 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Moorhead, MN earns a median $96,011/year (≈ $46.16/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $97,473 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moorhead, Minnesota, diagnostic medical sonographers can anticipate earning a median annual salary of $96,011 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $101,352. Salaries in the area range from $72,469 at the 10th percentile up to $128,797 at the 90th percentile, indicating a robust pay gradient influenced by specialization within the field. Local estimates derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations show a steady rise in the profession, reflecting a healthy annual growth rate of 4.93%. Cardiac sonographers, who often command the highest earnings due to the specialized nature of their work, will likely contribute to driving these salary dynamics within Moorhead's medical landscape.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,469 | $34.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,640 | $39.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,011 | $46.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,190 | $49.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,797 | $61.92 |
Median Salary Position
5.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,328 (2026 est.). At $96,011, the local median is 5.27% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $96,011/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $99,803 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -5.27% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $96,011 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.27% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $99,803.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moorhead, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $96,011 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,473 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,404
2025 BLS Actual
$91,500
2026 Current Est.
$96,011
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,404 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,919 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,643 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,019 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,363 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,011 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,744 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $70,404 (2019) to $91,500 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,744 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,340 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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) | $72,469 – $82,640 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,640 – $96,011 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,011 – $102,190 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,190 – $128,797 |
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 Moorhead
Examining the job market in Moorhead, there are currently 11 diagnostic medical sonographers employed locally, reflecting a niche yet vital sector within the healthcare system. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the economic environment allows for reasonable purchasing power, although it remains important for professionals to be strategic about their career paths. Employers such as local hospital imaging departments, outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, and specialty practices (OB-GYN and cardiology) present some of the most competitive compensation. The differences in pay often stem from factors such as specialization, including cardiac, vascular, and OB-GYN sonography, as well as shift differentials and potential premiums for travel sonography positions. For those seeking to optimize their earnings in Moorhead, pursuing further accreditation with ARDMS, focusing on in-demand specialties, and considering roles in mobile imaging could lead to higher pay and career advancement.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
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 $91,500 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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