Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Rhode Island: $98,653 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Rhode Island's 17 metropolitan areas, the average median diagnostic medical sonographer pay sits at $98,653/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-2032. Because Rhode Island sits at BEA RPP 100.5 (1% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $98,162 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Pawtucket ($96,967), East Providence ($96,221), West Warwick ($95,965).
In Rhode Island, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect an average median salary of $98,653 in 2026, which is approximately 2.7% lower than the national median of $101,352. The salary range across cities shows some variance, with Pawtucket offering the highest average at $101,747, while Central Falls provides the lowest at $93,982. This $7,765 difference in pay can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, local demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of medical facilities in urban areas. The job market for sonographers in Rhode Island is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.93%, highlighting a steady increase in demand for this profession. Aspiring sonographers should be aware of state-specific requirements, including licensing and scope of practice laws, which can influence job prospects and earning potential. The state currently employs 639 diagnostic medical sonographers, with strong demand indicated by the growth rate and median salary figures. Overall, while the salaries in Rhode Island are slightly behind national averages, the job outlook remains positive, particularly in metropolitan areas where salaries are higher and employment opportunities are expanding.
Rhode Island Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Rhode Island: $69,208 (lowest entry-level) to $140,828 (highest top earner)
Rhode Island vs National Average
Rhode Island diagnostic medical sonographers earn 2.66% less than the national median ($-2,699/year difference).
Rhode Island Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Distribution (2026)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salaries in Rhode Island range from $85,058 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $134,990 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $98,653. The Rhode Island median is $2,699 below the US national median of $101,352. The average hourly rate is $47.43/hr. Approximately 639 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed across 17 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$87,120
2025 BLS Actual
$94,018
2026 Current Est.
$98,653
2019–2027 Growth
+18.8%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Rhode Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,920 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,920 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,308 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,018 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,653 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,517 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rhode Island metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 7.9% from $87,120 (2019) to $94,018 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,517 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,397 (18.82%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island
Lowest Paying Cities in Rhode Island
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Central Falls | $93,982 |
| Westerly | $95,123 |
| Bristol | $96,425 |
| South Kingstown | $96,689 |
| Cumberland | $96,942 |
Best Value Cities for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Rhode Island
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Rhode Island cities offer the most purchasing power for diagnostic medical sonographers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pawtucket | $101,747 | 100.5 | $101,241 |
| East Providence | $100,965 | 100.5 | $100,463 |
| West Warwick | $100,696 | 100.5 | $100,195 |
| Warwick | $100,570 | 100.5 | $100,070 |
| Coventry | $100,222 | 100.5 | $99,723 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Rhode Island
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $85,058 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $98,653 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $134,990 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Rhode Island metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 17 Cities in Rhode Island
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pawtucket | $101,747 |
| 2 | East Providence | $100,965 |
| 3 | West Warwick | $100,696 |
| 4 | Warwick | $100,570 |
| 5 | Coventry | $100,222 |
| 6 | Cranston | $99,634 |
| 7 | Providence | $98,571 |
| 8 | Johnston | $98,499 |
| 9 | Woonsocket | $98,459 |
| 10 | Newport | $97,922 |
| 11 | North Providence | $97,724 |
| 12 | North Kingstown | $97,692 |
| 13 | Cumberland | $96,942 |
| 14 | South Kingstown | $96,689 |
| 15 | Bristol | $96,425 |
| 16 | Westerly | $95,123 |
| 17 | Central Falls | $93,982 |
More Rhode Island Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore diagnostic medical sonographer hourly pay in Rhode Island cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new diagnostic medical sonographers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Explore More Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Rhode Island in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for diagnostic medical sonographers in Rhode Island?
How does Rhode Island diagnostic medical sonographer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Rhode Island?
How many diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in Rhode Island?
Which Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. State averages are employment-weighted across 17 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