Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Radford, VA: $87,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Radford, VA earns a median $87,980/year (≈ $42.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $85,252 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.4% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Radford, Virginia, the projected salary for diagnostic medical sonographers stands at $87,980 in 2026, notably lower than the national median of $101,352. This difference reflects the region's operational dynamics, particularly the presence of outpatient imaging centers like RadNet and SimonMed, which influence earning potential. Local estimates indicate that sonographers can expect earnings to range from $64,549 at the lower end to $107,598 for the most experienced professionals. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data, adjusted for the cost of living, which is above the national average in Radford. This nuanced pay structure highlights the opportunity for growth within local facilities while demonstrating the competitive nature of the job market for sonographers in the area.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,549 | $31.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,770 | $37.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $87,980 | $42.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,846 | $44.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,598 | $51.73 |
Median Salary Position
13.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,049 (2026 est.). At $87,980, the local median is 13.19% below the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be above the median
How Radford Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Radford median: $87,980/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,029 | -4.40% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | -13.19% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Radford, VA earn a median of $87,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.19% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 4.40% below the Virginia state average of $92,029.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $87,980 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $85,252 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$64,514
2025 BLS Actual
$83,846
2026 Current Est.
$87,980
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $64,514 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,903 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,483 | Actual |
| 2022 | $70,617 | Actual |
| 2023 | $73,325 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,937 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,846 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $87,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,317 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $64,514 (2019) to $83,846 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,317 by 2027 — a total increase of $27,803 (43.10%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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) | $64,549 – $77,770 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,770 – $87,980 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $87,980 – $92,846 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,846 – $107,598 |
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 Radford
Analyzing the local employment scene reveals that only six diagnostic medical sonographers are currently working in Radford, suggesting a limited job market. The cost of living index at 103.2 means that while salaries are competitive, the increased expenses might affect purchasing power for professionals living there. Hospitals usually offer higher salaries when compared to outpatient centers, with specialties such as cardiac sonography leading the pay scale. Factors such as shift differentials for night or weekend work, and additional income from vendors or supervisory roles, can significantly enhance earnings. To maximize pay, aspiring sonographers should consider pursuing advanced certifications through ARDMS, focusing on specialties that command higher wages, and actively seek positions in settings willing to pay a premium for skilled practitioners. Understanding these elements can provide a clearer picture of diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Radford, VA.
More salary data for Radford, 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 $83,846 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Radford 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 Radford 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