Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Meridian, MS: $82,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Meridian, MS earns a median $82,343/year (≈ $39.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Meridian's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $96,083 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Meridian, Mississippi, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2026 is $82,343, signifying a competitive compensation level in the region, especially when considering the specialized skills required in cardiac and vascular imaging. The salary range spans from $60,143 at the lower tenth percentile to $105,286 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting the varying levels of expertise and the demand for specialized roles. These salary estimates are drawn from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, adjusted for local economic conditions, making them a reliable benchmark for job seekers and existing professionals in the field. Considering the cost of living index for Meridian is 85.7, which is below the national average, the prospects for both employment and financial stability are looking positive for aspiring sonographers in this area.
About the Meridian Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,143 | $28.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,454 | $33.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,343 | $39.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,293 | $42.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,286 | $50.62 |
Median Salary Position
18.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Meridian
In Meridian, MS, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,143 (2026 est.). At $82,343, the local median is 18.76% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Meridian: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Meridian Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Meridian median: $82,343/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Meridian Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $86,859 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -18.76% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Meridian, MS earn a median of $82,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.76% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 5.20% below the Mississippi state average of $86,859.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Meridian has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Meridian, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $82,343 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,083 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,381
2025 BLS Actual
$78,474
2026 Current Est.
$82,343
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Meridian (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,381 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,681 | Actual |
| 2021 | $63,159 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,092 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,627 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,371 | Actual |
| 2025 | $78,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86,402 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Meridian metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $60,381 (2019) to $78,474 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $86,402 by 2027 — a total increase of $26,021 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Meridian 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) | $60,143 – $69,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,454 – $82,343 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,343 – $89,293 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,293 – $105,286 |
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 Meridian
The job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Meridian currently employs only seven professionals, signifying a tight labor market that may yield opportunities for those willing to specialize. With a lower cost of living, employees can benefit from higher purchasing power compared to more expensive regions. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments typically offer the most competitive salaries, followed by outpatient facilities like RadNet and SimonMed, OB-GYN practices, and specialized cardiology or vascular surgery clinics. The pay disparity in the market is largely influenced by the specific area of expertise; for instance, cardiac sonographers generally command the highest wages, while vascular and OB sonographers follow. Additionally, working additional shifts, taking on call coverage, or engaging in travel sonography opportunities can enhance overall earnings. Those looking to maximize their diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Meridian, MS, should consider pursuing specialty credentials from ARDMS, as this can further distinguish them within the job market.
More salary data for Meridian, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Meridian?
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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 $78,474 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Meridian 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 Meridian 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