Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in North Carolina: $93,553 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across North Carolina's 44 metropolitan areas, the average median diagnostic medical sonographer pay sits at $93,553/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2032. Because North Carolina sits at BEA RPP 93.6 (6% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $99,950 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Concord ($100,264), Greensboro ($98,890), Charlotte ($98,650).
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina can expect an average median salary of $93,552, which is approximately 7.7% lower than the national median of $101,352. Salary variations across the state are pronounced, with Concord offering the highest average at $105,207, while Greenville presents the lowest at $80,146, resulting in a substantial gap of $25,061. This disparity is influenced by factors such as cost of living, local demand for sonography services, and competition among healthcare facilities. North Carolina's job market for diagnostic medical sonographers is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%, reflecting a steady demand for this specialty. Employment in the state is also supported by a well-regulated licensing process, which ensures that practitioners meet the required standards for training and competency. Additionally, the state's scope of practice laws enhance opportunities for sonographers to engage in diverse procedures. Metro areas show varying demand, with other cities like Greensboro ($103,765), Charlotte ($103,513), High Point ($102,167), and Gastonia ($101,307) also offering competitive salaries. This economic landscape suggests an overall healthy outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina, positioning them well in the state's healthcare framework.
North Carolina Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Range
Overall salary range in North Carolina: $57,228 (lowest entry-level) to $143,291 (highest top earner)
North Carolina vs National Average
North Carolina diagnostic medical sonographers earn 7.69% less than the national median ($-7,799/year difference).
North Carolina Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Distribution (2026)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries in North Carolina range from $73,444 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $112,806 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $93,553. The North Carolina median is $7,799 below the US national median of $101,352. The average hourly rate is $44.98/hr. Approximately 2,612 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed across 44 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$69,305
2025 BLS Actual
$89,157
2026 Current Est.
$93,553
2019–2027 Growth
+41.6%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in North Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $69,305 | Actual |
| 2020 | $70,688 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,156 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,051 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,469 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,294 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,157 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $93,553 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,165 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Carolina metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 28.6% from $69,305 (2019) to $89,157 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,165 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,860 (41.64%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in North Carolina
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Greenville | $80,146 |
| Leland | $81,371 |
| Carrboro | $82,590 |
| Fayetteville | $82,748 |
| Indian Trail | $82,914 |
Best Value Cities for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in North Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these North Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for diagnostic medical sonographers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concord | $105,207 | 93.6 | $112,401 |
| Greensboro | $103,765 | 92.865 | $111,737 |
| High Point | $102,167 | 93.6 | $109,153 |
| Gastonia | $101,307 | 93.6 | $108,234 |
| Charlotte | $103,513 | 97.348 | $106,333 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $73,444 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $93,553 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $112,806 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across North Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 44 Cities in North Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Concord | $105,207 |
| 2 | Greensboro | $103,765 |
| 3 | Charlotte | $103,513 |
| 4 | High Point | $102,167 |
| 5 | Gastonia | $101,307 |
| 6 | Winston | $91,520 |
| 7 | Winston-Salem | $90,816 |
| 8 | Raleigh | $90,376 |
| 9 | Durham | $90,295 |
| 10 | Cary | $89,946 |
| 11 | Pinehurst | $88,687 |
| 12 | Huntersville | $88,565 |
| 13 | Kannapolis | $88,427 |
| 14 | Apex | $88,219 |
| 15 | Jacksonville | $88,059 |
| 16 | Hickory | $87,627 |
| 17 | Chapel Hill | $87,476 |
| 18 | Statesville | $86,899 |
| 19 | Kernersville | $86,824 |
| 20 | Matthews | $86,620 |
| 21 | Rocky Mount | $86,599 |
| 22 | Cornelius | $86,471 |
| 23 | Sanford | $86,395 |
| 24 | Wake Forest | $86,393 |
| 25 | Morrisville | $86,355 |
| 26 | Fuquay-Varina | $86,123 |
| 27 | Salisbury | $86,110 |
| 28 | Thomasville | $85,967 |
| 29 | Asheville | $85,959 |
| 30 | New Bern | $85,933 |
| 31 | Mint Hill | $85,912 |
| 32 | Burlington | $85,852 |
| 33 | Wilmington | $85,497 |
| 34 | Holly Springs | $84,553 |
| 35 | Mooresville | $84,288 |
| 36 | Monroe | $84,254 |
| 37 | Garner | $84,064 |
| 38 | Wilson | $84,002 |
| 39 | Boone | $83,638 |
| 40 | Indian Trail | $82,914 |
| 41 | Fayetteville | $82,748 |
| 42 | Carrboro | $82,590 |
| 43 | Leland | $81,371 |
| 44 | Greenville | $80,146 |
More North Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in North Carolina cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new diagnostic medical sonographers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Compare Cities in North Carolina
View all comparisons →Explore More Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in North Carolina in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina?
How does North Carolina diagnostic medical sonographer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer salary in North Carolina?
How many diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in North Carolina?
Which North Carolina 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 North Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 44 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, 7-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