Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Cary, NC: $89,946 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Cary, NC earns a median $89,946/year (≈ $43.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Cary's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $96,096 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Cary, North Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $89,946, which is notably below the national median of $101,352. Salaries in the area can range significantly, from $65,004 at the 10th percentile to as high as $124,223 at the 90th percentile, presenting a broad salary spectrum. These figures are projections based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost-of-living variations. With a solid job market for sonographers—44 professionals currently employed—Cary presents opportunities that may appeal to new graduates and experienced sonographers alike, particularly within competitive segments like hospital imaging departments versus outpatient centers.
About the Cary Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($78,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,004 | $31.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,917 | $36.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,946 | $43.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,511 | $47.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $124,223 | $59.73 |
Median Salary Position
11.25% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cary
In Cary, NC, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,219 (2026 est.). At $89,946, the local median is 11.25% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cary Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Cary median: $89,946/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $87,667 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -11.25% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Cary, NC earn a median of $89,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.25% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 2.60% above the North Carolina state average of $87,667.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cary has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cary, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $89,946 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,096 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,956
2025 BLS Actual
$85,720
2026 Current Est.
$89,946
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,956 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,376 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,991 | Actual |
| 2022 | $72,195 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,964 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,387 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,720 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,946 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,380 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cary metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $65,956 (2019) to $85,720 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,380 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,424 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cary 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) | $65,004 – $75,917 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,917 – $89,946 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,946 – $98,511 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,511 – $124,223 |
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 Cary
Evaluating the overall landscape of diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Cary, NC, reveals that the cost-of-living index is favorable at 93.6, indicating that salaries stretch further in daily life compared to national averages. Notably, employers within hospital imaging departments tend to compensate at higher rates than outpatient chains like RadNet and SimonMed, emphasizing the advantages of working in a clinical setting. Various factors contribute to the pay differences in Cary, including specialty areas—sonographers focused on cardiac echo often command higher salaries, followed by vascular and OB-GYN positions. To maximize earnings, professionals might consider pursuing specialized credentials from ARDMS, seeking roles with shift differentials, or exploring opportunities with travel agencies that offer premium pay. Understanding these dynamics is essential for those looking to enhance their diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Cary.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Cary, NC in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Cary?
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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 $85,720 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Cary 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 Cary 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