Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary in Waukesha, WI: $112,085 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time diagnostic medical sonographer in Waukesha, WI earns a median $112,085/year (≈ $53.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2032). Once you factor in Waukesha's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $120,005 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% above the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, diagnostic medical sonographers can expect to earn a median annual salary of $112,085 in 2026, slightly above the national figure of $101,352, reflecting a localized salary boost of over 10%. The compensation range is notable, stretching from $76,885 at the lower end (P10) to a robust $144,735 at the upper percentile (P90). These figures, informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlight the competitive market for sonographers in Waukesha. The notable difference in pay based on specialty further underscores the local job dynamics, as cardiac echo professionals typically command higher salaries compared to their general sonography counterparts, impacting the overall landscape of diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Waukesha.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($80,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,885 | $36.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $91,133 | $43.82 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $112,085 | $53.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,345 | $58.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $144,735 | $69.58 |
Median Salary Position
10.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukesha
In Waukesha, WI, the diagnostic medical sonographer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,850 (2026 est.). At $112,085, the local median is 10.59% above the national median of $101,352.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Waukesha: You'd be above the median
How Waukesha Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Pay Compares
Waukesha median: $112,085/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukesha Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $108,610 | +3.20% more |
| National Average | $101,352 | +10.59% more |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Waukesha, WI earn a median of $112,085 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.59% higher than the national median of $101,352 and 3.20% above the Wisconsin state average of $108,610.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukesha has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Waukesha, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A diagnostic medical sonographer earning $112,085 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $120,005 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$82,191
2025 BLS Actual
$106,819
2026 Current Est.
$112,085
2019–2027 Growth
+43.1%
Salary Trajectory for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.93% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,191 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,973 | Actual |
| 2022 | $89,965 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,415 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,905 | Actual |
| 2025 | $106,819 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $112,085 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,611 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukesha metropolitan area, the median diagnostic medical sonographer salary grew 30.0% from $82,191 (2019) to $106,819 (2025). At a 4.93% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $117,611 by 2027 — a total increase of $35,420 (43.09%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukesha 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) | $76,885 – $91,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $91,133 – $112,085 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $112,085 – $121,345 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,345 – $144,735 |
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 Waukesha
In Waukesha, 14 diagnostic medical sonographers are currently employed, indicating a niche but essential workforce in the local healthcare scene. With a cost-of-living index of 93.4, healthcare professionals generally find their earnings stretch further here compared to more expensive urban centers. Among the top employers in the area, hospital imaging departments typically offer better compensation than outpatient centers, while specialties drive disparities in pay. For instance, cardiac and vascular sonographers usually enjoy higher salaries, while those in mobile imaging or travel sonography often benefit from premium compensation opportunities. A strategic approach to maximizing income could involve pursuing specialized credentials, such as RDCS or RVT, and considering shift differentials or part-time roles for call coverage, which may add substantial value to year-end earnings. Understanding these local factors can greatly enhance one's standing in the Waukesha job market.
More salary data for Waukesha, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make in Waukesha, WI in 2026?
Is Waukesha, WI a good place to work as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
Can diagnostic medical sonographers make $100K in Waukesha?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted diagnostic medical sonographer salary in Waukesha?
How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make per hour in Waukesha?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $106,819 for diagnostic medical sonographersin the Waukesha 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 Waukesha 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