Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $117,259 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Forest Grove, OR earns a median $117,259/year (≈ $56.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Forest Grove's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $114,288 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual compensation of $117,259 for diagnostic medical sonographers in Forest Grove, Oregon, the local market excels in comparison to the national median of $101,352. The salary range reflects significant variability where professionals earn between $81,746 at the 10th percentile to $149,640 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, indicate a promising job outlook in the area. The demand for specialized skills, particularly in cardiac echo sonography, plays a substantial role in driving higher wages, as facilities prioritize expertise in this critical area. The competitive landscape here suggests opportunities for sonographers, especially those enhancing their qualifications through advanced credentials such as RDCS or RVT.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($106,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,746 | $39.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $95,933 | $46.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $117,259 | $56.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $126,713 | $60.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $149,640 | $71.94 |
Median Salary Position
15.69% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Forest Grove
In Forest Grove, OR, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,894 (2026 est.). At $117,259, the local median is 15.69% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Forest Grove: You'd be above the median
How Forest Grove Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Forest Grove median: $117,259/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Forest Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $120,143 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +15.69% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Forest Grove, OR earn a median of $117,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.69% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 2.40% below the Oregon state average of $120,143.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Forest Grove has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Forest Grove, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $117,259 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $114,288 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,985
2025 BLS Actual
$111,750
2026 Current Est.
$117,259
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,985 | Actual |
| 2020 | $87,836 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,941 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,118 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,728 | Actual |
| 2024 | $106,181 | Actual |
| 2025 | $111,750 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $117,259 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $123,040 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Forest Grove metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $85,985 (2019) to $111,750 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $123,040 by 2027 — a total increase of $37,055 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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) | $81,746 – $95,933 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $95,933 – $117,259 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $117,259 – $126,713 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $126,713 – $149,640 |
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 Forest Grove
The job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Forest Grove is characterized by a relatively small workforce, with only four professionals currently employed in this specialty. Despite this limited number, the area's cost of living, indexed at 102.6, suggests that salaries should adequately support local purchasing power. Among the various employers, hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed tend to offer the highest wages. Wage disparities in the field can be attributed to factors such as specialty focus—cardiac sonographers typically earn the most—shift differentials, and the demand for travel sonography roles. To maximize earning potential in Forest Grove, professionals should consider pursuing additional certifications, seeking roles in high-paying sectors, and being open to flexible positions that offer premium pay for on-call coverage and specialized expertise.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
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 $111,750 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove 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