Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in Ames, IA
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the Ames, IA metro area earn a median of $82,110 a year ($39.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $69,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,380 for the top 10%. That is 15% lower than the national median of $96,590. Pay here is 5% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $86,480. There are 0.57 diagnostic medical sonographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $87,630, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for diagnostic medical sonographers in Ames, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $69,580 | $33.45 |
| 25th percentile | $80,430 | $38.67 |
| Median | $82,110 | $39.48 |
| 75th percentile | $100,820 | $48.47 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,380 | $49.22 |
| Average (mean) | $87,630 | $42.13 |
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 | $6,842.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,421.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,158.08 |
| Weekly | $1,579.04 |
| Hourly | $39.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | $87,080 | 170 |
| Iowa City, IA | $86,940 | 90 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $86,480 | 70 |
| Omaha, NE-IA | $82,920 | 530 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $82,870 | 100 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $81,450 | 40 |
| Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA | $80,620 | 40 |
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 |
See Diagnostic Medical Sonographer pay in every state or the Iowa statewide figures.
Related jobs in Ames, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $50,730 | $24.39 |
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $65,610 | $31.55 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $39,310 | $18.90 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $56,380 | $27.10 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $66,760 | $32.09 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $49,850 | $23.97 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $48,060 | $23.11 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $40,860 | $19.64 |
| Paramedic | $62,920 | $30.25 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $46,000 | $22.12 |
| Registered Nurse | $77,160 | $37.09 |
| Dental Hygienist | $89,130 | $42.85 |
| Veterinarian | $118,240 | $56.85 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $127,600 | $61.34 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Ames, IA
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 Ames, IA?
The median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in the Ames, IA metro area is $82,110 a year, or $39.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $69,580 for the lowest-paid 10% to $102,380 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid diagnostic medical sonographers make in Ames, IA?
The top 10% of diagnostic medical sonographers in the Ames, IA metro area earn at least $102,380 a year. The top 25% earn $100,820 or more.
What is the starting pay for diagnostic medical sonographers in Ames, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $69,580 a year, and a quarter of diagnostic medical sonographers earn $80,430 or less.
How many diagnostic medical sonographers work in Ames, IA?
About 30 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in the Ames, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.