Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Portsmouth, VA: $89,009 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Portsmouth, VA earns a median $89,009/year (≈ $42.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Portsmouth's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $86,249 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portsmouth, VA, the projected median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in 2026 is $89,009, reflecting a competitive position compared to the national median of $101,352. Salary ranges show the diversity in pay, from $63,072 at the lower end to $117,287 at the higher end. The data, derived from 2025 BLS state-level information and adjusted for regional price parities, indicates that hospitals and larger healthcare systems typically offer higher compensation compared to outpatient chains. This market distinction is crucial for job seekers, as the choice between hospital employment and outpatient imaging facilities like RadNet or SimonMed can significantly influence earning potential for diagnostic medical sonographers in Portsmouth.
About the Portsmouth Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,072 | $30.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,950 | $35.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,009 | $42.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97,977 | $47.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,287 | $56.39 |
Median Salary Position
12.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Portsmouth
In Portsmouth, VA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,215 (2026 est.). At $89,009, the local median is 12.18% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Portsmouth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Portsmouth Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Portsmouth median: $89,009/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Portsmouth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $91,951 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -12.18% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Portsmouth, VA earn a median of $89,009 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.18% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 3.20% below the Virginia state average of $91,951.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Portsmouth has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Portsmouth, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $89,009 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $86,249 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,269
2025 BLS Actual
$84,827
2026 Current Est.
$89,009
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Portsmouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,269 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,674 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,273 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,443 | Actual |
| 2023 | $74,183 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $84,827 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,009 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,397 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Portsmouth metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $65,269 (2019) to $84,827 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,397 by 2027 — a total increase of $28,128 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Portsmouth 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) | $63,072 – $73,950 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,950 – $89,009 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,009 – $97,977 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $97,977 – $117,287 |
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 Portsmouth
The local job market currently employs 17 diagnostic medical sonographers, which points to a specialized niche but also suggests limited competition. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, the financial landscape requires a careful evaluation of salary against living expenses, affecting overall purchasing power. Among local employment options, hospital imaging departments often provide the most lucrative opportunities, especially for those in specialty areas such as cardiac or vascular sonography. Factors like shift differentials, call coverage, and advanced certifications—such as RDCS or RVT—can drive pay higher, while positions as applications specialists might also yield premium income. To maximize earning potential in Portsmouth, professionals should focus on developing specialized skills, pursue relevant certifications, and consider opportunities in mobile imaging or travel sonography, which can offer additional financial incentives.
More salary data for Portsmouth, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Portsmouth, VA in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Portsmouth?
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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 $84,827 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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