HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Diagnostic Sonographer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$158,982/yr
Typical range: $148,995 – $175,576
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Diagnostic Sonographer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Diagnostic Sonographer Salary Progression in Washington DC
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $86,944 | $7,245 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $106,816 | $8,901 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $118,409 | $9,867 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $131,160 | $10,930 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $158,982 | $13,249 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $182,830 | $15,236 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $188,792 | $15,733 | +117% |
Current Salary
$158,982
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$182,830
Principal · 14
+$24Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
46/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Diagnostic Sonographer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Staff / Lead Diagnostic Sonographers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $159K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Diagnostic Sonographer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?
Based on $159K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Diagnostic Sonographer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Diagnostic Sonographer in Washington DC, DC earns $149K–$176K/yr.