Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Papillion, NE: $86,263 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Papillion, NE earns a median $86,263/year (≈ $41.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Papillion's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $94,277 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Papillion, Nebraska, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers is $86,263 in 2026. This figure highlights a notable distinction in compensation between specializations within the field. Cardiac sonographers often see the highest remuneration compared to their general counterparts. The salary range reflects this disparity, with entry-level positions starting at $66,908 and top earners reaching up to $109,080. These numbers are local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted according to regional factors. As the demand for diagnostic imaging continues to rise, Papillion's market offers competitive opportunities for both seasoned and emerging sonographers.
About the Papillion Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($76,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,908 | $32.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,219 | $36.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,263 | $41.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,250 | $44.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,080 | $52.44 |
Median Salary Position
14.89% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Papillion
In Papillion, NE, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,172 (2026 est.). At $86,263, the local median is 14.89% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Papillion: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Papillion Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Papillion median: $86,263/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Papillion Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $92,756 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -14.89% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Papillion, NE earn a median of $86,263 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 7.00% below the Nebraska state average of $92,756.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Papillion has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Papillion, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $86,263 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,277 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,255
2025 BLS Actual
$82,210
2026 Current Est.
$86,263
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Papillion (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,617 | Actual |
| 2021 | $66,166 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,239 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,894 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,685 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,263 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $90,516 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Papillion metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $63,255 (2019) to $82,210 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $90,516 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,261 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Papillion 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) | $66,908 – $75,219 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,219 – $86,263 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,263 – $93,250 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,250 – $109,080 |
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 Papillion
The local job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Papillion consists of a modest workforce, with only five professionals currently employed in the area. This small number may influence competitive dynamics and salary negotiations, especially as the cost of living index sits at 91.5, indicating that it is more affordable than the national average. Key employers, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, typically provide the most lucrative packages, predominantly favoring those specializing in cardiac and vascular imaging. The variance in salaries can be attributed to multiple factors, including specialty expertise, shift differentials, and additional earnings from roles in applications support or supervisory positions. For aspiring sonographers in Papillion, obtaining credentials from organizations like ARDMS and focusing on in-demand specialties can significantly enhance earning potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Papillion, NE:
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 $82,210 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Papillion 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 Papillion 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