Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Kearny, NJ: $112,952 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Kearny, NJ earns a median $112,952/year (≈ $54.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Kearny's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $98,049 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kearny, New Jersey, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect a competitive median annual salary of $112,952 in 2026, placing them above the national figure of $101,352 by approximately 11.45%. The local salary range varies significantly, with entry-level earnings starting at $86,225 and potentially reaching up to $148,736 for those in advanced roles or specialized settings. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local market conditions and cost of living considerations. Kearny's unique healthcare environment, influenced by the presence of various imaging departments in hospitals versus outpatient centers, plays a vital role in determining compensation, with facilities often aligning their pay structures with the demand for skilled professionals.
About the Kearny Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($94,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $86,225 | $41.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $98,025 | $47.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,952 | $54.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,873 | $58.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,736 | $71.51 |
Median Salary Position
11.45% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kearny
In Kearny, NJ, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,511 (2026 est.). At $112,952, the local median is 11.45% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kearny: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kearny Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Kearny median: $112,952/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kearny Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $116,807 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +11.45% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Kearny, NJ earn a median of $112,952 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.45% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 3.30% below the New Jersey state average of $116,807.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kearny has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kearny, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $112,952 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $98,049 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,826
2025 BLS Actual
$107,645
2026 Current Est.
$112,952
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Kearny (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,826 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,609 | Actual |
| 2021 | $86,638 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,661 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,138 | Actual |
| 2024 | $104,758 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,645 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,952 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $118,520 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kearny metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $82,826 (2019) to $107,645 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $118,520 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,694 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kearny 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) | $86,225 – $98,025 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $98,025 – $112,952 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,952 – $120,873 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,873 – $148,736 |
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 Kearny
The job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Kearny is modest, with only 11 professionals currently employed in the area. This limited pool may drive competition for positions as healthcare facilities look to attract and retain talent while managing the local cost of living index, currently at 115.2. Employers such as hospital imaging departments generally offer higher pay compared to outpatient centers like RadNet or SimonMed, although the latter can provide more flexible schedules. The variation in earnings challenges sonographers to explore specialties that command premiums; for instance, those focusing on cardiac or vascular sonography often achieve higher pay than their counterparts in OB-GYN practices. Additionally, strategies such as pursuing certification through ARDMS and seeking roles in travel sonography or management can further optimize earning potential in this bustling market.
More salary data for Kearny, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Kearny, NJ in 2026?
Is Kearny, NJ a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Kearny?
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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 $107,645 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Kearny 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 Kearny 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