Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Portland, OR: $134,751 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Portland, OR earns a median $134,751/year (≈ $64.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Portland's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.4), that paycheck buys what $127,822 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.2% above the Oregon state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Portland is projected to reach a robust $134,751, notably exceeding the national median of $101,352 by approximately 32.95%. The earnings for professionals in this field vary significantly, with a range spanning from $103,073 at the 10th percentile to $142,904 at the 90th percentile. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected forward, illustrates the competitive edge Portland holds in the healthcare sector, particularly for specialties like cardiac and vascular sonography where additional travel sonography premiums can further enhance compensation. As demand continues to rise for skilled sonographers in the region, professionals considering a career in this field can expect favorable financial prospects in Portland, OR.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,073 | $49.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $111,320 | $53.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $134,751 | $64.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $137,721 | $66.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142,904 | $68.70 |
Median Salary Position
32.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portland
In Portland, OR, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,831 (2026 est.). At $134,751, the local median is 32.95% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portland: You'd be in the upper quartile
How Portland Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Portland median: $134,751/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $120,099 | +12.20% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +32.95% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Portland, OR earn a median of $134,751 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.95% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 12.20% above the Oregon state average of $120,099.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portland has a cost of living 5.42% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portland, OR has a cost-of-living index of 105.421 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $134,751 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $127,822 — a 5.14% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,270
2025 BLS Actual
$128,420
2026 Current Est.
$134,751
2019–2027 Growth
+50.0%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $94,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,870 | Actual |
| 2022 | $102,120 | Actual |
| 2023 | $109,920 | Actual |
| 2024 | $114,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,420 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $134,751 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $141,394 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portland metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 36.2% from $94,270 (2019) to $128,420 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $141,394 by 2027 — a total increase of $47,124 (49.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portland 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) | $103,073 – $111,320 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $111,320 – $134,751 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $134,751 – $137,721 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $137,721 – $142,904 |
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 Portland
Analyzing the job market, there are currently 690 diagnostic medical sonographers employed in the Portland area, reflecting a steadily growing demand driven by an aging population and advancements in medical imaging technology. The cost-of-living index in Portland, at 105.421, suggests that while salaries are competitive, higher living expenses may influence purchasing power. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed often offer the most lucrative positions, especially for those who specialize in cardiac and vascular sonography. The discrepancies in pay can be attributed to factors like specialty focus, including cardiac echo and vascular roles, as well as shift differentials and call coverage responsibilities. To maximize earnings in Portland, professionals should pursue advanced certifications from the ARDMS, consider roles in high-demand specialties, and explore opportunities with travel sonography agencies, which frequently offer higher pay rates for flexibility.
More salary data for Portland, 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 $128,420 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Portland 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