Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Dayton, OH: $88,162 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Dayton, OH earns a median $88,162/year (≈ $42.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Dayton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.7), that paycheck buys what $95,111 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Ohio state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in Dayton, Ohio, is $88,162, reflecting a regional pay structure that falls approximately 13.01% below the national median of $101,352. With a salary range spanning from $68,131 at the 10th percentile to $104,059 at the 90th percentile, local sonographers experience varied compensation reflective of their specialties. This analysis is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, which suggests that Dayton’s job market offers competitive salaries particularly for cardiac and vascular specialists, who often command a premium due to their specialized skill sets. The ongoing demand for skilled professionals in this field indicates opportunities for growth and career advancement within the local healthcare system.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,131 | $32.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,703 | $40.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,162 | $42.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,726 | $49.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,059 | $50.03 |
Median Salary Position
13.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dayton
In Dayton, OH, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,928 (2026 est.). At $88,162, the local median is 13.01% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dayton: You'd be above the median
How Dayton Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Dayton median: $88,162/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dayton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $101,352 | -13.01% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dayton, OH earn a median of $88,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.01% lower than the national median of $101,352.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dayton has a cost of living 7.31% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dayton, OH has a cost-of-living index of 92.694 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $88,162 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $95,111 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.88% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,300
2025 BLS Actual
$84,020
2026 Current Est.
$88,162
2019–2027 Growth
+24.5%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,300 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,970 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,820 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,162 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,509 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dayton metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 13.1% from $74,300 (2019) to $84,020 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,509 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,209 (24.51%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dayton 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) | $68,131 – $83,703 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,703 – $88,162 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,162 – $102,726 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,726 – $104,059 |
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 Dayton
The local market showcases a solid employment base with approximately 280 diagnostic medical sonographers operating in the Dayton area. Though the cost-of-living index stands at 92.694, which is below the national average, this factor enhances the purchasing power of local salaries, allowing professionals to maintain a reasonable standard of living. Among local employers, hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers, like RadNet and SimonMed, are positioned to offer the highest salaries. Variances in pay can be attributed to several factors, including specialty focus—where cardiac positions excel over vascular, followed by OB-GYN and abdominal roles—shift differentials, and the lucrative travel sonography premium for those willing to work flexible hours or travel. To maximize earnings, sonographers in Dayton should consider expanding their qualifications through ARDMS specialty credentials, actively seek higher-paying institutions, and explore travel opportunities that leverage their expertise.
More salary data for Dayton, OH:
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 $84,020 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Dayton 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
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