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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Diagnostic Medical Sonographers salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Philadelphia metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$89,550
Mean annual$90,750
Range (10th to 90th)$76,080 to $109,130
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania employment1,720
State vs national-3.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Philadelphia diagnostic medical sonographers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$76,08025TH$79,820MEDIAN$89,55075TH$102,55090TH$109,130

The middle 50% of workers earn between $79,820 and $102,550, with a median of $89,550.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Associate's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.5 / 5
  • English Language

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    4.0 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Active Listening

    Basic skill

    3.9 / 5
  • Oral Expression

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Observe screen during scan to ensure that image produced is satisfactory for diagnostic purposes, making adjustments to equipment as required.

  2. 02

    Observe and care for patients throughout examinations to ensure their safety and comfort.

  3. 03

    Provide sonogram and oral or written summary of technical findings to physician for use in medical diagnosis.

  4. 04

    Select appropriate equipment settings and adjust patient positions to obtain the best sites and angles.

  5. 05

    Operate ultrasound equipment to produce and record images of the motion, shape, and composition of blood, organs, tissues, or bodily masses, such as fluid accumulations.

  6. 06

    Decide which images to include, looking for differences between healthy and pathological areas.

  7. 07

    Prepare patient for exam by explaining procedure, transferring patient to ultrasound table, scrubbing skin and applying gel, and positioning patient properly.

  8. 08

    Determine whether scope of exam should be extended, based on findings.

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Other metros in Pennsylvania

How the Philadelphia metro compares to other major Pennsylvania metro areas for diagnostic medical sonographers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in the Philadelphia metropolitan area is $89,550.
Does Philadelphia pay more than the Pennsylvania state average for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
The Philadelphia metro median is +12.4% versus the Pennsylvania state median of $79,660.
How does Philadelphia compare to the national median for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
The Philadelphia metro median is -3.8% versus the BLS national figure of $93,091.
What is the salary range for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers in Philadelphia?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $76,080 and the 90th-percentile at $109,130 for the Philadelphia metro area.
What education is required for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Associate's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Philadelphia CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.