Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Montana: $109,766 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median diagnostic medical sonographer pay sits at $109,766/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2032. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $114,102 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bozeman ($121,260), Billings ($107,340), Great Falls ($92,672).
In Montana, the average median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to be $109,765 in 2026, which is 8.3% higher than the national median of $101,352. This variation in pay reflects the healthcare demand and cost of living in different regions. Bozeman stands out as the highest-paying city with an estimated salary of $127,238, while Kalispell has the lowest at $93,099, resulting in a salary gap of $34,139 between these cities. Factors contributing to this salary difference include population density, the presence of healthcare facilities, and local demand for sonography services. Montana requires state licensing for diagnostic medical sonographers, mandating adherence to specific educational and training standards, which can influence salary levels. The job market for this profession is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%, driven by increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advances in medical imaging technology. In addition to Bozeman, other top-paying cities include Billings at $112,632, Great Falls at $97,241, Missoula at $95,349, and Butte at $94,754. With a total of 126 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in the state, the outlook for job availability remains strong as demand continues to rise.
Montana Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $65,332 (lowest entry-level) to $134,772 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana diagnostic medical sonographers earn 8.30% more than the national median (+$8,414/year difference).
Montana Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Distribution (2026)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries in Montana range from $82,852 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $126,756 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $109,766. The Montana median is $8,414 above the US national median of $101,352. The average hourly rate is $52.77/hr. Approximately 126 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed across 7 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$78,250
2025 BLS Actual
$104,608
2026 Current Est.
$109,766
2019–2027 Growth
+47.2%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Montana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,222 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,650 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,608 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $109,766 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $115,177 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 33.7% from $78,250 (2019) to $104,608 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $115,177 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,927 (47.19%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Kalispell | $93,099 |
| Helena | $93,369 |
| Butte | $94,754 |
| Missoula | $95,349 |
| Great Falls | $97,241 |
Best Value Cities for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for diagnostic medical sonographers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $127,238 | 102.51 | $124,123 |
| Billings | $112,632 | 93.526 | $120,429 |
| Great Falls | $97,241 | 96.2 | $101,082 |
| Missoula | $95,349 | 96.2 | $99,115 |
| Butte | $94,754 | 96.2 | $98,497 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $82,852 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $109,766 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $126,756 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Montana cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new diagnostic medical sonographers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Explore More Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for diagnostic medical sonographers in Montana?
How does Montana diagnostic medical sonographer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Montana?
How many diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in Montana?
Which Montana city offers the best value for diagnostic medical sonographers?
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
Statewide 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. A 4.93% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 diagnostic medical sonographer compensation across Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 metro areas — larger metro areas with more diagnostic medical sonographerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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