Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Blacksburg, VA: $91,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Blacksburg, VA earns a median $91,229/year (≈ $43.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Blacksburg's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $88,400 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Blacksburg, VA, is projected to be a median annual amount of $91,229, marking a notable distinction when compared to the national median of $101,352. This local salary is reflective of the specialized nature of the field, particularly with cardiac echo sonographers typically positioned at the higher end of the pay scale. The salary range locally spans from $65,899 at the 10th percentile to $119,013 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy diversity in earning potential within this profession. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional economic conditions, demonstrating a competitive climate for diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Blacksburg.
About the Blacksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,899 | $31.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,407 | $36.74 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,229 | $43.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,371 | $48.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,013 | $57.22 |
Median Salary Position
9.99% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Blacksburg
In Blacksburg, VA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,114 (2026 est.). At $91,229, the local median is 9.99% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Blacksburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Blacksburg Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Blacksburg median: $91,229/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Blacksburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $91,965 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -9.99% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $91,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.99% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.80% below the Virginia state average of $91,965.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Blacksburg has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Blacksburg, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $91,229 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $88,400 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$66,897
2025 BLS Actual
$86,943
2026 Current Est.
$91,229
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $66,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,890 | Actual |
| 2021 | $69,976 | Actual |
| 2022 | $76,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $81,730 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,020 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,727 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Blacksburg metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $66,897 (2019) to $86,943 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,727 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,830 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blacksburg 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) | $65,899 – $76,407 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,407 – $91,229 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,229 – $100,371 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,371 – $119,013 |
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 Blacksburg
Although only seven diagnostic medical sonographers are currently employed in the Blacksburg area, the demand remains robust, supported by the town's growing healthcare sector. The cost-of-living index of 103.2 indicates that while living expenses are slightly above average, the salaries provided within this market remain attractive considering local conditions. Among employers, hospital imaging departments and specialized practices, such as cardiology and vascular surgery, tend to offer the highest compensation packages. The pay disparity in Blacksburg can be attributed to various factors, including specialty focus—where cardiac and vascular sonographers typically earn more than their OB-GYN or abdominal counterparts—alongside opportunities for shift differentials, call coverage, and travel sonography roles. For professionals seeking to maximize their diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Blacksburg, pursuing additional certification from ARDMS, specializing in high-demand areas, and engaging with reputable imaging chains can enhance earning potential significantly.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
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 $86,943 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg 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