PayByState

West Virginia · BLS SOC 29-2032

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in West Virginia

Median $72,640 · Top 10% earn $84,630+ · Roughly 589 workers in West Virginia. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2024.

West Virginia median
$72,640
$34.92/hr
Top 10%
$84,630
90th percentile
Bottom 10%
$53,520
Entry-level range
Real pay
$86,066
CoL-adjusted (RPP 84.4)

West Virginia pays meaningfully below the U.S. median for diagnostic medical sonographers — $72,640 versus the national median of $84,470. West Virginia's lower cost of living means the salary stretches further — real purchasing power is about $1,596 above the U.S. average. The state employs roughly 589 diagnostic medical sonographers.

What drives diagnostic medical sonographer pay in West Virginia

West Virginia sits in the bottom quartile of U.S. diagnostic medical sonographer pay. Lower nominal wages typically reflect rural-area service delivery, smaller hospital systems, and less-dense union or specialty employer presence — partially offset by a lower cost of living.

West Virginia ranks #49 of 50 states

Where West Virginia sits in the national distribution for diagnostic medical sonographer pay, and the closest comparable states above and below.

Rank State Median vs. West Virginia
#47 Louisiana $74,330 +$1,690
#46 Kentucky $75,180 +$2,540
#45 Oklahoma $75,180 +$2,540
#49 West Virginia (this page) $72,640 —
#50 Arkansas $71,800 −$840
#51 Mississippi $70,950 −$1,690
See all 50 states →

Find Diagnostic Medical Sonographer programs near you

We surface accredited programs by state — community college, online, and accelerated. Compare tuition, length, and start dates.

Compare programs

Sponsored. We may earn a commission if you enroll. Prices and availability vary by school and state.

Education path for West Virginia

The typical path is a associate degree in dms, or 1-yr certificate post-rt, taking about 24 months. Tuition ranges from $8,000 (community college) to $45,000 (private accelerated). On the West Virginia median of $72,640, payback periods are typically 1.1 years or less from a starting income near minimum wage.

For full credentialing detail and the realistic career outlook, see the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary overview. To run your own numbers, use the ROI calculator with West Virginia selected.

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in West Virginia — FAQ

What is the average diagnostic medical sonographer salary in West Virginia?
The median diagnostic medical sonographer salary in West Virginia is $72,640 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2024). The bottom 10% earn around $53,520; the top 10% earn $84,630 or more. About 589 people work in this role across the state.
How does West Virginia diagnostic medical sonographer pay compare to the national average?
West Virginia's median of $72,640 is $11,830 below the U.S. national median of $84,470. After adjusting for West Virginia's cost of living (Regional Price Parity 84.4), the real-purchasing-power equivalent is $86,066.
Is diagnostic medical sonographer a good career in West Virginia?
On the data: West Virginia employs roughly 589 diagnostic medical sonographers, with a median wage of $72,640 and the top decile clearing $84,630. The role is projected to grow +11% nationally over the next decade. Whether it's "good" for you depends on whether the work suits you and whether you're positioned for the in-state metros that pay above the median.
What's the hourly rate for diagnostic medical sonographers in West Virginia?
At the West Virginia median of $72,640 annually, the equivalent hourly rate is approximately $34.92/hr. The top 10% earn around $40.69/hr, while entry-level roles typically pay $25.73/hr or slightly above.

Methodology note

West Virginia-level wage data sourced from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 release (SOC 29-2032: Diagnostic Medical Sonographers), with state pay indexes from BLS area-comparison tables. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parities, 2023 release, where West Virginia's RPP is 84.4 (U.S. = 100). Last reviewed: May 2026.