Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn a median of $80,620 a year ($38.76 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $70,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,970 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $96,590. Pay here is 7% lower than the Iowa statewide median of $86,480. There are 0.52 diagnostic medical sonographers per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $83,390, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for diagnostic medical sonographers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $70,180 | $33.74 |
| 25th percentile | $79,810 | $38.37 |
| Median | $80,620 | $38.76 |
| 75th percentile | $94,430 | $45.40 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $101,970 | $49.02 |
| Average (mean) | $83,390 | $40.09 |
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 | $6,718.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,359.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,100.77 |
| Weekly | $1,550.38 |
| Hourly | $38.76 |
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 |
| Ames, IA | $82,110 | 30 |
| Sioux City, IA-NE-SD | $81,450 | 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses | $59,950 | $28.82 |
| Pharmacy Technician | $40,950 | $19.69 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians | $47,800 | $22.98 |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $64,370 | $30.95 |
| Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other | $46,570 | $22.39 |
| Medical Records Specialist | $47,680 | $22.92 |
| Emergency Medical Technician | $43,500 | $20.91 |
| Veterinary Technologists and Technicians | $45,210 | $21.74 |
| Paramedic | $62,350 | $29.98 |
| Surgical Technologist | $59,910 | $28.80 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | $44,930 | $21.60 |
| Ophthalmic Medical Technician | $39,270 | $18.88 |
| Registered Nurse | $76,920 | $36.98 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $126,330 | $60.73 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, 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 Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The median salary for diagnostic medical sonographers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area is $80,620 a year, or $38.76 an hour. Pay ranges from $70,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $101,970 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid diagnostic medical sonographers make in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
The top 10% of diagnostic medical sonographers in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area earn at least $101,970 a year. The top 25% earn $94,430 or more.
What is the starting pay for diagnostic medical sonographers in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $70,180 a year, and a quarter of diagnostic medical sonographers earn $79,810 or less.
How many diagnostic medical sonographers work in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA?
About 40 diagnostic medical sonographers are employed in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls, IA metro area, not counting the self-employed.