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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 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
9.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
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.
Salary Calculator
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 To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $113,035 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $101,352 | +9.41% more |
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
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
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.
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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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $81,312 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,062 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,054 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,003 | Actual |
| 2023 | $92,417 | Actual |
| 2024 | $117,963 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,677 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $110,887 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $116,354 | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $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.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in University Place, WA in 2026?
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Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in University Place?
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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 $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).
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