Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Norfolk, VA: $92,258 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Norfolk, VA earns a median $92,258/year (≈ $44.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Norfolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $89,397 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.3% above the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $92,258 in 2026. This figure is notably below the 2026 national median of $101,352, reflecting a local salary comparison that is approximately 8.97% less than the national average. The salary range for this occupation in Norfolk varies significantly, with values spanning from $60,237 at the lower end (P10) to a high of $129,071 (P90). These projections, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight the financial landscape for healthcare professionals in the area. The strong presence of specialty sonographers, particularly in cardiac and vascular disciplines, contributes to competitive salaries influenced by demand and expertise, shaping the job market in Norfolk.
About the Norfolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,237 | $28.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,454 | $35.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,258 | $44.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,679 | $50.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,071 | $62.06 |
Median Salary Position
8.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Norfolk
In Norfolk, VA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,834 (2026 est.). At $92,258, the local median is 8.97% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Norfolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Norfolk Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Norfolk median: $92,258/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Norfolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $91,982 | +0.30% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -8.97% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Norfolk, VA earn a median of $92,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.97% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 0.30% above the Virginia state average of $91,982.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Norfolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Norfolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $92,258 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $89,397 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$67,651
2025 BLS Actual
$87,923
2026 Current Est.
$92,258
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,651 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,108 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,764 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,050 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,891 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,463 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,923 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,258 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $96,806 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Norfolk metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $67,651 (2019) to $87,923 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $96,806 by 2027 — a total increase of $29,155 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Norfolk 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) | $60,237 – $73,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,454 – $92,258 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,258 – $104,679 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,679 – $129,071 |
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 Norfolk
Looking deeper into the local job market, there are 54 diagnostic medical sonographers actively employed in Norfolk, indicating a stable demand for their skills. With a cost of living index of 103.2, which is slightly above the national average, potential sonographers must consider how this affects their take-home pay. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed typically offer the highest compensation packages. Factors influencing salary variations include specialty focus, with cardiac sonographers generally earning more than their vascular and OB-GYN counterparts, as well as additional pay for shift differentials and travel sonography roles. For those looking to maximize their diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Norfolk, pursuing specialized certifications like RDCS or RVT and considering roles in travel sonography agencies can enhance earning opportunities and career growth within this evolving market.
More salary data for Norfolk, 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 $87,923 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Norfolk 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 Norfolk 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