Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Great Falls, MT: $97,241 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Great Falls, MT earns a median $97,241/year (≈ $46.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Great Falls's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.2), that paycheck buys what $101,082 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% below the Montana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Great Falls, MT, the projected annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2026 is estimated at $97,241, which is slightly lower than the national median of $101,352. The local salary range illustrates the variation within the job market, with entry-level positions starting at around $65,495, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $134,279. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, taking into account regional cost adjustments. As Great Falls continues to be shaped by the choice between hospital positions and outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, this structural decision significantly impacts earnings potential for medical sonographers in the area.
About the Great Falls Market
Salary estimated from Montana average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,495 | $31.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,456 | $37.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,241 | $46.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,502 | $53.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $134,279 | $64.55 |
Median Salary Position
4.06% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Great Falls
In Great Falls, MT, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,784 (2026 est.). At $97,241, the local median is 4.06% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Great Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Great Falls Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Great Falls median: $97,241/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Great Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Montana Average | $97,533 | -0.30% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -4.06% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Great Falls, MT earn a median of $97,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.06% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.30% below the Montana state average of $97,533.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Great Falls has a cost of living 3.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Great Falls, MT has a cost-of-living index of 96.2 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $97,241 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,082 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.95% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$71,305
2025 BLS Actual
$92,672
2026 Current Est.
$97,241
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Great Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $71,305 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,840 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,587 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,044 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,754 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,672 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,241 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,035 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Great Falls metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $71,305 (2019) to $92,672 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,035 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,730 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Great Falls 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) | $65,495 – $78,456 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,456 – $97,241 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,241 – $110,502 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,502 – $134,279 |
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 Great Falls
The job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Great Falls is relatively small, with only 12 professionals employed in the field. The cost of living index in Great Falls stands at 96.2, which suggests that although salaries might be lower than the national average, the purchasing power is better than some other regions. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments generally offer higher compensation compared to outpatient imaging centers and private practices. Factors influencing the salary range include specialization, where cardiac sonographers tend to earn the highest wages, followed by vascular and OB-GYN specialties. Additionally, shift differentials and call coverage can positively affect earnings, while traveling sonographers often command premiums. To maximize take-home pay in Great Falls, professionals should consider obtaining multiple certifications, such as RDMS or RDCS, and seek opportunities in higher-paying specialties, as well as participating in networking within local healthcare facilities.
More salary data for Great Falls, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Great Falls?
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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 $92,672 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Great Falls 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 Great Falls 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