Sonographer Pay

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in University Place, WA: $110,887 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in University Place, WA earns a median $110,887/year (≈ $53.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $103,247 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.

$110,887
Median Annual Salary
$53.31/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$78,122
Entry Level (P10)
$149,028
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in University Place, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
University Place, WA diagnostic medical sonographer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, diagnostic medical sonographers in University Place, Washington, can expect a median annual salary of $110,887, reflecting a solid premium compared to the national median of $101,352. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from $78,122 at the 10th percentile to $149,028 at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight the strong demand for skilled sonographers – particularly those specializing in cardiac echo, who command the highest wages. The local job market, though relatively small, indicates that University Place can support attractive compensation for professionals in the field, making it an appealing location for both new graduates and seasoned sonographers.

About the University Place Market

Salary estimated from Washington average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$78,122$37.55
Lower Range (P25)$91,326$43.90
Median (P50)(typical)$110,887$53.31
Upper Range (P75)$118,192$56.82
Top Earners (P90)$149,028$71.65

Median Salary Position

$78,122$149,028
City Median: $110,887
National: $101,352
P10–P90 Range

9.41% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for diagnostic medical sonographers in University Place. The median salary is $110,887, compared to the national median of $101,352.$70.3K$91.9K$113.4K$134.9K$156.5K$78.1K10th Pctl$91.3K25th Pctl$110.9KMedian$118.2K75th Pctl$149.0K90th PctlUS Median$101.4K

In University Place, WA, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $70,906 (2026 est.). At $110,887, the local median is 9.41% above the national median of $101,352.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of diagnostic medical sonographer pay in the University Place metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$2,133
per week
$9,241
per month
$110,895
per year

At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How University Place Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares

University Place median: $110,887/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryUniversity Place Pays
Washington Average$113,035-1.90% less
National Average$101,352+9.41% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing diagnostic medical sonographer median salary in University Place ($110,887) with Washington average ($113,035) and the US national median ($101,352).University Place$110,887Washington Avg$113,035-1.90%US National$101,352+9.41%

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in University Place, WA earn a median of $110,887 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.41% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $113,035.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$110,887
Nominal Salary
107.4
CoL Index
$103,247
Adjusted Salary

University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $110,887. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the purchasing-power equivalent is $103,247, a loss of $7,640.$86.1K$96.5K$106.8K$117.2K$127.5K$110,887NominalSalary$103,247CoL Adjusted(CoL: 107.4) -6.89%US Median $101.4K

University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $110,887 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $103,247 — a 6.89% reduction.

Compare Purchasing Power

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2019 BLS Actual

$81,312

2025 BLS Actual

$105,677

2026 Current Est.

$110,887

2019–2027 Growth

+43.1%

Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in University Place (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for diagnostic medical sonographers in University Place. Baseline $81,312 in 2025, projected to $116,354 by 2027.$74.0K$86.8K$99.6K$112.5K$125.3K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$81.3K$83.1K$85.1K$89.0K$92.4K$118.0K$105.7K$110.9K$116.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$81,312Actual
2020$83,062Actual
2021$85,054Actual
2022$89,003Actual
2023$92,417Actual
2024$117,963Actual
2025$105,677Actual
2026(current)$110,887Estimated
2027$116,354Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $81,312 (2019) to $105,677 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $116,354 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,042 (43.10%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$78,122$91,326
3-5 years (Mid Career)$91,326$110,887
5+ years (Experienced)$110,887$118,192
10+ years (Top Earner)$118,192$149,028

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 University Place

With only six diagnostic medical sonographers currently employed in University Place, the local market offers a unique blend of opportunity and challenge. The cost of living index stands at 107.4, slightly above the national average, which means that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power requires careful management. Employers in the area, such as hospital imaging departments and outpatient centers like RadNet and SimonMed, typically pay the most, but compensation can vary based on specialty and demand. Cardiac sonographers typically earn more than those in vascular or OB-GYN practices, largely influenced by certification credentials from ARDMS and experience levels. To maximize earnings in the University Place payer landscape, professionals should consider specializing further, seeking shift differentials, and maintaining up-to-date certifications such as RDCS or RVT to elevate their marketability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in University Place, WA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median diagnostic medical sonographer salary in University Place is $110,887/year ($53.31/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 4.93% annual growth). Salaries range from $78,122 at entry level (10th percentile) to $149,028 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts University Place at 9.4% above the national median. Full-time diagnostic medical sonographers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is University Place, WA a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

University Place diagnostic medical sonographer salaries are 9.4% above the national average and 1.9% below the Washington state average. The metro area employs approximately 6 diagnostic medical sonographers. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in University Place?

Yes — the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary in University Place is already $110,887, meaning more than half of diagnostic medical sonographers here earn six figures. Top earners (90th percentile) make $149,028/year. Factors that push pay above $100K include years of experience, specialty certifications, and working at high-production practices or large organizations.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in University Place?

After adjusting for University Place's cost-of-living index of 107.4 (where 100 equals the national average), the $110,887 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $103,247 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in University Place reduce the effective value of your salary by 6.9% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make per hour in University Place?

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in University Place earn a median hourly rate of $53.31, which translates to approximately $110,887/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $37.55 for entry-level positions to $71.65 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem diagnostic medical sonographers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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 $105,677 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the University Place 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 University Place is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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