Medical Sonographer Salary in 2026
Medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to produce diagnostic images of organs, tissues, and blood flow. They assist physicians in diagnosing conditions through non-invasive imaging.
Median Salary
$96,590
$8,049/mo
Entry Level
$73,100
starting pay
Senior Level
$120,100
experienced
Job Growth
+14%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SOC 29-2032) at a national median of $96,590 per year (mean $97,240), or $46.44 per hour, with 90,160 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Medical Sonographer Overview
Medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to produce diagnostic images of organs, tissues, and blood flow. They assist physicians in diagnosing conditions through non-invasive imaging.
Education
Associate's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Healthcare
Total Jobs (US)
90K
5-Year Growth
+13%
Category
Healthcare
Hourly Rate
$46.44/hr
Monthly Pay
$8,049
Medical Sonographer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Medical Sonographer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Medical Sonographer Salary
$104,000
$8,667/month · $4,000/biweekly · $50.00/hr
Medical Sonographer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Medical Sonographer field.
Entry-level Medical Sonographers earn around $73,100, while the top 10% earn $131,250 or more.
Top Paying States for Medical Sonographers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $114,000 | +$17,410 |
| New York | $111,000 | +$14,410 |
| Texas | $95,000 | $-1,590 |
| Florida | $95,000 | $-1,590 |
| Ohio | $92,000 | $-4,590 |
Top Paying Cities for Medical Sonographers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $114,000 | +$17,410 |
| Los Angeles | $108,000 | +$11,410 |
| Miami | $99,000 | +$2,410 |
| Houston | $96,000 | $-590 |
| Columbus | $91,000 | $-5,590 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Medical Sonographer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Medical Sonographer from entry level to expert.
$73,100
0-2 years
$97,000
3-7 years
$120,100
8-14 years
$142,400
15+ years
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Medical Sonographer Salary FAQ
How much does a Medical Sonographer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Medical Sonographer in the United States is $96,590 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SOC 29-2032); the mean is $97,240. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $73,100, senior professionals around $120,100, and top earners at $142,400 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Medical Sonographer?
A Medical Sonographer typically requires a Associate's Degree with 0-2 years of experience. Key skills include Ultrasound Imaging, Anatomy, Patient Care. Relevant certifications such as ARDMS Certification or RDMS can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Medical Sonographers?
The job market for Medical Sonographers is projected to grow by 14% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 90K Medical Sonographer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 13%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Medical Sonographers the most?
The highest-paying states for Medical Sonographers include California, Texas, New York. In California, the median salary is approximately $114,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Medical Sonographer salary?
To increase your Medical Sonographer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Ultrasound Imaging and Anatomy. Pursue certifications such as ARDMS Certification. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 0-2 years of experience, you can progress from $73,100 to $120,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Medical Sonographer Salary
How we calculate Medical Sonographer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (SOC 29-2032), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $96,590, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers; BLS mean $97,240; BLS hourly median $46.44.
- Entry-level ($73,100) and senior-level ($120,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +14% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 90,160 Diagnostic Medical Sonographers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 13% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Healthcare sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Associate's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $96,590; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Medical Sonographer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Medical Sonographer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Healthcare
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Medical Sonographer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Ultrasound Imaging, Anatomy, Patient Care), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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