Diagnostic medical sonographers in the US earn a median of $96,590 a year in base pay. The middle half earn between $80,430 and $106,930, and the top 10% earn more than $129,370 (BLS OEWS May 2025). To negotiate, aim for the part of that range that matches your experience — with 3–5 years, for example, $97,000 to $107,000 — and open slightly above it.
How much do diagnostic medical sonographers make?
| Percentile | Annual base pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | $67,820 |
| 25th | $80,430 |
| Median | $96,590 |
| 75th | $106,930 |
| 90th | $129,370 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 — Diagnostic Medical Sonographers, national, about 90,160 jobs. BLS figures are base pay including commissions and production bonuses; they exclude year-end bonuses, stock, overtime and benefits.
Where diagnostic medical sonographers earn the most
| State | Median | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| California | $128,530 | $160,580 |
| Hawaii | $124,430 | $129,650 |
| Washington | $121,340 | $134,810 |
| Oregon | $120,220 | $130,860 |
| District of Columbia | $112,020 | $126,660 |
Pay also differs within a state — big metro areas often pay more. Use your state's numbers when you set your target.
What should you ask for as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
| Experience | Suggested target range | Open with about |
|---|---|---|
| 0–2 years | $80,000–$97,000 | $102,000 |
| 3–5 years | $97,000–$107,000 | $112,000 |
| 6–10 years | $101,000–$114,000 | $120,000 |
| 10+ years | $107,000–$129,000 | $135,000 |
The ranges follow national percentiles by experience (25th–50th, 50th–75th, 60th–80th, 75th–90th); the opening number is the top of the range plus about 5%, rounded. Guidance, not a guarantee — check your state and experience, and see how to negotiate salary.
What drives diagnostic medical sonographer pay?
Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound to image organs, pregnancies and blood flow. Pay depends on your registry credentials (abdomen, OB/GYN, vascular, breast), the number of specialties you can scan, and call and shift coverage.
- Registry credentials such as RDMS specialties or RVT.
- Number of exam types you can perform independently.
- Call pay and after-hours coverage.
- Setting: hospital, outpatient imaging, OB clinics, mobile services.
Your leverage as a diagnostic medical sonographer
- Multiple registries the department needs.
- Experience with complex exams, such as vascular or fetal echo.
- Willingness to take call or cover weekends.
- Low repeat or callback rates.
- Training students or new sonographers.
Only use leverage you really have. Never invent a competing offer.
Diagnostic medical sonographer objections and how to answer
| They say | You can say |
|---|---|
| “We pay one rate regardless of registries.” | “Could we look at a higher step or a review once I'm cleared for [exam type]?” |
| “Call pay is the same for everyone.” | “How many call shifts per month does the rate assume?” |
| “Outpatient roles pay less because there's no call.” | “I value the schedule; I'd still like the base to match my registries.” |
| “You'll need to learn our protocols first.” | “Sure — can we agree on a 90-day review tied to independent scanning?” |
Sample counter offer for a diagnostic medical sonographer
Thank you for the offer. With my [registries] and [number] years scanning [exam types], I'm asking for [rate or salary], plus call at [rate]. The national median for diagnostic medical sonographers is $96,590.
Then stop talking and let them respond.
Asking for a raise as a diagnostic medical sonographer
Adding a registry is the clearest path to more pay. Agree in advance on what changes once you pass it.