Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Seattle, WA: $136,367 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Seattle, WA earns a median $136,367/year (≈ $65.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Seattle's price level (11% above national, BEA RPP 111.1), that paycheck buys what $122,706 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 20.6% above the Washington state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Seattle, the outlook for diagnostic medical sonographers is promising, with a 2026 median salary projected at $136,367, significantly higher than the national equivalent of $101,352. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $63,934 at the lower end (P10) to an impressive $170,018 for those at the top of their game (P90). This favorable compensation landscape is influenced by the demand for specialized sonographers, particularly in cardiac echo, which commands some of the highest pay rates among sonography specialties. The city's evolving healthcare sector reflects a commitment to advanced imaging technologies and increasing reliance on non-invasive diagnostic procedures, enhancing the earning potential for skilled professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,934 | $30.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $109,348 | $52.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $136,367 | $65.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $145,286 | $69.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $170,018 | $81.74 |
Median Salary Position
34.55% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Seattle
In Seattle, WA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $106,084 (2026 est.). At $136,367, the local median is 34.55% above the national median of $101,352.
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At 40 hours/week in Seattle: You'd be above the median
How Seattle Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Seattle median: $136,367/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Seattle Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $113,074 | +20.60% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +34.55% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Seattle, WA earn a median of $136,367 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.55% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 20.60% above the Washington state average of $113,074.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Seattle has a cost of living 11.13% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Seattle, WA has a cost-of-living index of 111.133 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $136,367 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $122,706 — a 10.02% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,020
2025 BLS Actual
$129,960
2026 Current Est.
$136,367
2019–2027 Growth
+52.2%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Seattle (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $95,770 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $105,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $116,210 | Actual |
| 2025 | $129,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $136,367 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $143,090 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Seattle metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 38.2% from $94,020 (2019) to $129,960 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $143,090 by 2027 — a total increase of $49,070 (52.19%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Seattle 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) | $63,934 – $109,348 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $109,348 – $136,367 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $136,367 – $145,286 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $145,286 – $170,018 |
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 Seattle
The job market for diagnostic medical sonographers in Seattle, with 1,190 individuals employed in this sector, remains strong, though the cost of living index sits at 111.133, suggesting that higher salaries may be necessary to maintain purchasing power. Employers such as hospital imaging departments and specialized practices in cardiology consistently offer the best wages. Factors influencing pay disparities include the specialty field, where cardiac sonographers typically earn more than their vascular or OB-GYN counterparts, and the availability of shift differentials, call coverage, and travel premiums. To maximize pay, professionals should consider seeking certifications from ARDMS, gaining experience in high-demand areas, and exploring opportunities with travel sonography agencies, which often offer competitive compensation packages in the Seattle area.
More salary data for Seattle, WA:
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 $129,960 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Seattle 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