Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Richmond, VA: $100,376 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Richmond, VA earns a median $100,376/year (≈ $48.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Richmond's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.9), that paycheck buys what $102,573 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.1% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in Richmond, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $100,376, slightly below the national median of $101,352. The salary range for this occupation varies, with entry-level positions earning around $83,671 and experienced sonographers making up to $108,088, according to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. Specialists in cardiac and vascular sonography may find additional opportunities for premium compensation, particularly in travel-related roles that often offer higher pay due to their requirements. Overall, the landscape for diagnostic medical sonographer pay in Richmond reflects a competitive market, especially for those who hold certifications through organizations like ARDMS and specialize in high-demand areas.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,671 | $40.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,273 | $41.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,376 | $48.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,870 | $49.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,088 | $51.97 |
Median Salary Position
0.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Richmond
In Richmond, VA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $24,417 (2026 est.). At $100,376, the local median is 0.96% below the national median of $101,352.
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How Richmond Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Richmond median: $100,376/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Richmond Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $92,004 | +9.10% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | -0.96% less |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Richmond, VA earn a median of $100,376 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.96% lower than the national median of $101,352 and 9.10% above the Virginia state average of $92,004.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Richmond has a cost of living 2.14% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Richmond, VA has a cost-of-living index of 97.858 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $100,376 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $102,573 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.19% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,390
2025 BLS Actual
$95,660
2026 Current Est.
$100,376
2019–2027 Growth
+41.6%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,390 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $77,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,480 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,660 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,376 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,325 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Richmond metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 28.6% from $74,390 (2019) to $95,660 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,325 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,935 (41.58%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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) | $83,671 – $86,273 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,273 – $100,376 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,376 – $103,870 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,870 – $108,088 |
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 Richmond
The local job market is robust, with approximately 440 diagnostic medical sonographers currently employed in Richmond, indicating steady demand for professionals in this field. With a cost of living index of 97.858, the region offers a favorable environment for earning potential, ensuring that salaries can translate effectively into purchasing power. Hospitals and outpatient imaging centers, particularly those owned by larger chains like RadNet and SimonMed, tend to offer the highest salaries. The variance between lower and higher-paying positions can be attributed to factors like specialty focus, shift differentials, and the travel sonography premium. To maximize earning potential in Richmond, professionals should consider advancing their credentials, seeking roles in higher-paying specialties, and exploring mobile imaging opportunities, which often compensate individuals competitively to cover shifts at different locations.
More salary data for Richmond, 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 $95,660 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Richmond 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
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