Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in North Carolina
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in North Carolina earn a median of $86,010 a year ($41.35 an hour), based on BLS data for 2,970 workers.
Pay ranges from $67,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $105,530 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $96,590. North Carolina ranks 34th of 51 states for diagnostic medical sonographers pay. There are 0.60 diagnostic medical sonographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $87,500, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $67,070 | $32.25 |
| 25th percentile | $77,620 | $37.32 |
| Median | $86,010 | $41.35 |
| 75th percentile | $100,130 | $48.14 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $105,530 | $50.74 |
| Average (mean) | $87,500 | $42.07 |
Half of diagnostic medical sonographers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,167.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,583.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,308.08 |
| Weekly | $1,654.04 |
| Hourly | $41.35 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $86,010 salary, see how much house you can afford in North Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in cities in North Carolina
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Greensboro-High Point, NC | $98,890 | 150 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $98,650 | 730 |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $87,220 | 250 |
| Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC | $86,630 | 370 |
| Raleigh-Cary, NC | $86,130 | 430 |
| Pinehurst-Southern Pines, NC | $84,520 | 40 |
| Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC | $83,510 | 50 |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $82,530 | 30 |
| Asheville, NC | $81,920 | 120 |
| Wilmington, NC | $81,480 | 170 |
| Fayetteville, NC | $78,860 | 70 |
| Greenville, NC | $76,380 | 120 |
Highest-paying states for diagnostic medical sonographers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $128,530 |
| Hawaii | $124,430 |
| Washington | $121,340 |
| Oregon | $120,220 |
| District of Columbia | $112,020 |
| Colorado | $108,410 |
| Massachusetts | $107,480 |
| Alaska | $105,670 |
| Vermont | $104,100 |
| New York | $103,920 |
Related jobs in North Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $63,270 | $30.42 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $44,530 | $21.41 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $60,650 | $29.16 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $74,450 | $35.79 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $49,620 | $23.86 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $44,250 | $21.27 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $46,480 | $22.35 |
| Psychiatric Technician | $40,630 | $19.54 |
| Paramedic | $57,320 | $27.56 |
| Surgical Technologist | $60,920 | $29.29 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $47,620 | $22.89 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $50,190 | $24.13 |
| Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians | $55,460 | $26.67 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technician | $45,150 | $21.71 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in North Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-2032. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a diagnostic medical sonographer make in North Carolina?
The median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina is $86,010 a year, or $41.35 an hour. Pay ranges from $67,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $105,530 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid diagnostic medical sonographers make in North Carolina?
The top 10% of diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina earn at least $105,530 a year. The top 25% earn $100,130 or more.
What is the starting pay for diagnostic medical sonographers in North Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $67,070 a year, and a quarter of diagnostic medical sonographers earn $77,620 or less.
How many diagnostic medical sonographers work in North Carolina?
About 2,970 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in North Carolina, not counting the self-employed.