Pediatric sonography is a specialized area of medical imaging focused on performing ultrasound examinations on infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric sonographers use ultrasound equipment to produce detailed images that help physicians evaluate organs, tissues, blood vessels, and other structures.
If you are considering this career, one of the most important questions is how much a pediatric sonographer makes in 2027.
Pediatric sonographer salaries vary based on experience, location, education, certification, employer, specialty, and work schedule. For 2027 career planning, a reasonable salary range is approximately $65,000 to $110,000+ per year, with experienced professionals in specialized or higher-paying markets potentially earning more.
Because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate national wage category exclusively for pediatric sonographers, the broader Diagnostic Medical Sonographers occupation provides the official government benchmark. The BLS reported a median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024, or $42.95 per hour. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,760, while the highest 10% earned more than $123,170.
Private salary databases can produce different estimates because they use different methodologies and job-title definitions. For example, Salary.com reported an average pediatric sonographer salary of about $76,094 per year as of August 2026, while ZipRecruiter reported a substantially higher estimate. This illustrates why salary figures should be viewed as ranges rather than one guaranteed national number.
This guide explains pediatric sonographer salary in 2027 by experience, hourly pay, monthly income, location, work setting, education, and career advancement.
Pediatric Sonographer Salary in 2027 at a Glance
The following figures are useful for career planning and budgeting.
| Career Level | Estimated 2027 Annual Salary | Estimated Monthly Pay | Approx. Hourly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $65,000–$75,000 | $5,417–$6,250 | $31–$36 |
| Early Career | $72,000–$82,000 | $6,000–$6,833 | $35–$39 |
| Mid-Career | $80,000–$95,000 | $6,667–$7,917 | $38–$46 |
| Experienced | $92,000–$108,000 | $7,667–$9,000 | $44–$52 |
| Senior/Specialized | $105,000–$125,000+ | $8,750–$10,417+ | $50–$60+ |
These are estimated 2027 ranges, not official government salary projections. Actual compensation can be lower or higher depending on the position.
For comparison, the latest BLS median for all diagnostic medical sonographers was $89,340 in May 2024.
What Does a Pediatric Sonographer Do?
A pediatric sonographer specializes in ultrasound imaging for younger patients.
The BLS describes pediatric sonographers as professionals who specialize in imaging children and infants. Many of the conditions they examine can be associated with premature birth or birth defects.
Pediatric sonographers may work with newborns, infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers.
Common Pediatric Sonographer Responsibilities
Their daily responsibilities may include:
- Preparing children for ultrasound examinations
- Explaining procedures to children and parents
- Positioning patients safely
- Operating ultrasound equipment
- Obtaining diagnostic-quality images
- Measuring anatomical structures
- Reviewing images for technical quality
- Recording examination findings
- Maintaining patient records
- Communicating with physicians and healthcare teams
- Cleaning and preparing ultrasound equipment
Working with children requires more than technical ultrasound skills. Pediatric sonographers also need patience, communication skills, and the ability to make young patients comfortable during examinations.
How Much Does a Pediatric Sonographer Make a Year?
A pediatric sonographer can potentially earn $65,000 to $110,000 or more annually, depending on experience and location.
A current private-market estimate from Salary.com placed the average pediatric sonographer salary at $76,094 per year in August 2026, with the middle 25th–75th percentile range at approximately $67,329 to $83,495.
The BLS provides a higher benchmark for the broader sonography profession, with a $89,340 median annual wage in May 2024.
Annual Pediatric Sonographer Pay Examples
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross | Biweekly Gross | Weekly Gross | Hourly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $65,000 | $5,417 | $2,500 | $1,250 | $31.25 |
| $70,000 | $5,833 | $2,692 | $1,346 | $33.65 |
| $75,000 | $6,250 | $2,885 | $1,442 | $36.06 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 | $3,077 | $1,538 | $38.46 |
| $85,000 | $7,083 | $3,269 | $1,635 | $40.87 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | $3,462 | $1,731 | $43.27 |
| $95,000 | $7,917 | $3,654 | $1,827 | $45.67 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | $3,846 | $1,923 | $48.08 |
| $105,000 | $8,750 | $4,038 | $2,019 | $50.48 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | $4,231 | $2,115 | $52.88 |
| $115,000 | $9,583 | $4,423 | $2,212 | $55.29 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $4,615 | $2,308 | $57.69 |
| $125,000 | $10,417 | $4,808 | $2,404 | $60.10 |
Calculations assume 40 hours per week and 2,080 working hours per year. Actual earnings can differ because of overtime, bonuses, shift differentials, and unpaid time off.
Pediatric Sonographer Hourly Salary
Hourly pay is particularly useful when comparing full-time, part-time, temporary, and travel positions.
Salary.com reported an average pediatric sonographer hourly rate of approximately $37 per hour in August 2026. Its reported 25th–75th percentile range was approximately $32 to $40 per hour.
The broader BLS diagnostic medical sonographer occupation had a median hourly wage of $42.95 in May 2024.
Estimated 2027 Hourly Pay
| Experience Level | Estimated Hourly Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $31–$36 |
| Early Career | $35–$39 |
| Mid-Career | $38–$46 |
| Experienced | $44–$52 |
| Senior/Specialized | $50–$60+ |
Hourly wages can be significantly higher for overtime, weekend, holiday, night, or on-call work when premium compensation is offered.
Pediatric Sonographer Monthly Salary
Monthly income is simply the annual salary divided by 12 before taxes and deductions.
For example, a pediatric sonographer earning $90,000 per year has a gross monthly income of approximately $7,500.
Monthly Pediatric Sonographer Salary Chart
| Annual Salary | Monthly Gross Pay | Weekly Gross Pay |
|---|---|---|
| $65,000 | $5,417 | $1,250 |
| $70,000 | $5,833 | $1,346 |
| $75,000 | $6,250 | $1,442 |
| $80,000 | $6,667 | $1,538 |
| $85,000 | $7,083 | $1,635 |
| $90,000 | $7,500 | $1,731 |
| $95,000 | $7,917 | $1,827 |
| $100,000 | $8,333 | $1,923 |
| $110,000 | $9,167 | $2,115 |
| $120,000 | $10,000 | $2,308 |
These figures represent gross pay and do not account for taxes, health insurance, retirement contributions, or other deductions.
Pediatric Sonographer Salary by Experience
Experience is one of the most important factors affecting earning potential.
Entry-Level Pediatric Sonographer Salary
A newly qualified pediatric sonographer may earn approximately $65,000 to $75,000 per year.
Entry-level compensation depends heavily on location and employer. A new graduate working at a large children’s hospital in a major metropolitan area may have a different starting salary from someone working in a smaller community.
New professionals should also consider:
- Training opportunities
- Certification support
- Health insurance
- Retirement contributions
- Paid time off
- Overtime availability
- Shift premiums
- Career advancement
A slightly lower starting salary may be worthwhile if the position provides excellent pediatric clinical experience.
Mid-Career Pediatric Sonographer Salary
After several years of experience, a pediatric sonographer may earn approximately $80,000 to $95,000.
Professionals at this level are generally more comfortable handling complex examinations and challenging pediatric cases.
Experience can also improve opportunities to negotiate salary or move to specialized healthcare facilities.
Experienced Pediatric Sonographer Salary
Experienced pediatric sonographers may earn $92,000 to $108,000 or more, depending on their market and qualifications.
Professionals with advanced skills may qualify for senior or lead positions.
Senior Pediatric Sonographer Salary
Senior or highly specialized professionals may potentially earn $105,000 to $125,000+.
Leadership responsibilities, specialized imaging skills, premium shifts, and employment in high-paying healthcare markets can increase total compensation.
Pediatric Sonographer Salary by State
Pediatric sonographer salary varies significantly by state.
There is no official BLS table specifically for pediatric sonographers, so state comparisons should be interpreted using broader diagnostic medical sonographer wage data and current market estimates.
Private salary estimates also show that high-cost metropolitan markets frequently offer higher pediatric sonographer compensation. For example, Salary.com lists markets such as Passaic, New Jersey; Stamford, Connecticut; Huntington, New York; and several California locations among its higher-paying markets.
Estimated 2027 Salary by State Group
| State/Market Group | Estimated 2027 Pediatric Sonographer Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $82,000–$105,000+ |
| New York | $82,000–$105,000+ |
| New Jersey | $82,000–$105,000+ |
| Massachusetts | $80,000–$102,000+ |
| Connecticut | $80,000–$102,000+ |
| Washington | $78,000–$100,000+ |
| Alaska | $78,000–$100,000+ |
| Colorado | $76,000–$98,000 |
| Illinois | $74,000–$96,000 |
| Texas | $70,000–$92,000 |
| Florida | $68,000–$90,000 |
| Georgia | $68,000–$90,000 |
| North Carolina | $68,000–$90,000 |
| Tennessee | $66,000–$88,000 |
| Alabama | $63,000–$84,000 |
These ranges are planning estimates rather than official 2027 state salary statistics. Actual offers can vary significantly between metropolitan areas and individual employers.
Pediatric Sonographer Salary in California
California is one of the strongest markets for sonography compensation.
Current pediatric sonographer salary estimates show several California metropolitan areas among the higher-paying markets. Salary.com, for example, lists Vallejo, Petaluma, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and other California locations with relatively high estimated pediatric sonographer salaries.
Estimated 2027 California Pay
| Career Level | Estimated Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $70,000–$82,000 |
| Mid-Career | $82,000–$95,000 |
| Experienced | $95,000–$110,000 |
| Senior/Specialized | $110,000–$125,000+ |
California salaries should always be considered alongside housing, transportation, taxes, and other living costs.
Pediatric Sonographer Salary in Texas
Texas provides a large healthcare job market and can offer competitive opportunities for pediatric sonographers.
For example, Salary.com estimated the average pediatric sonographer salary in Dallas at approximately $75,142 per year in August 2026, with a reported 25th–75th percentile range of $66,487 to $82,451.
Estimated 2027 Texas Pay
| Career Level | Estimated Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | $64,000–$72,000 |
| Mid-Career | $72,000–$82,000 |
| Experienced | $82,000–$94,000 |
| Senior/Specialized | $94,000–$105,000+ |
Large healthcare markets such as Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio can provide different salary opportunities.
Pediatric Sonographer Salary by Work Setting
The workplace can significantly influence compensation.
The BLS reports that for diagnostic medical sonographers overall, the May 2024 median wage was $123,610 in outpatient care centers, compared with $90,070 in hospitals and $89,450 in physicians’ offices.
These figures are not specifically for pediatric sonographers, but they demonstrate why work setting is important when comparing salary opportunities.
| Work Setting | Potential 2027 Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Children’s Hospital | $80,000–$110,000+ |
| General Hospital | $75,000–$100,000 |
| Pediatric Clinic | $65,000–$90,000 |
| Outpatient Imaging Center | $75,000–$105,000 |
| Specialty Pediatric Center | $80,000–$115,000+ |
| Travel/Contract Position | $85,000–$125,000+ |
Actual compensation depends on location, workload, experience, contract terms, and benefits.
Children’s Hospitals
Children’s hospitals are an important workplace for pediatric sonographers.
They may provide exposure to complex pediatric cases, premature infants, congenital conditions, and specialized examinations.
Pediatric Clinics
Pediatric clinics may provide a more predictable schedule but can have different compensation structures from major hospitals.
Outpatient Centers
Outpatient centers may offer competitive salaries and more predictable working hours depending on the facility.
Discover More:
What Factors Affect Pediatric Sonographer Salary?
Several factors can influence how much a pediatric sonographer earns.
Experience
Experience improves technical skills and can help professionals qualify for more advanced positions.
Location
Higher-paying metropolitan areas often have higher salaries, although living costs may also be substantially higher.
Education
Education can influence eligibility for positions and advancement opportunities.
Certification
Relevant professional credentials can strengthen a candidate’s qualifications.
Specialized Skills
Experience with complex pediatric imaging can make a professional more competitive.
Employer
A large children’s hospital may have a different compensation structure from a private pediatric clinic.
Schedule
Night, weekend, holiday, and on-call work may provide additional compensation.
Pediatric Sonographer Education and Certification
Most diagnostic medical sonographers typically need at least an associate degree or postsecondary certificate, according to the BLS. Some states or employers may have additional licensing or certification requirements.
A person interested in pediatric sonography should focus on obtaining strong clinical training in ultrasound and developing experience with pediatric patients.
Important Skills
Successful pediatric sonographers need:
- Ultrasound scanning skills
- Knowledge of anatomy
- Knowledge of physiology
- Patient communication
- Pediatric patient handling
- Attention to detail
- Technical troubleshooting
- Documentation skills
- Teamwork
- Compassion and patience
Working with children can require different communication techniques from working with adult patients.
Discover More:
How to Increase Your Pediatric Sonographer Salary
Professionals who want to increase their earning potential have several options.
Gain Pediatric Experience
Specialized pediatric experience can make you more competitive for children’s hospitals and specialty centers.
Develop Advanced Imaging Skills
Learn techniques used for complex pediatric examinations and specialized imaging.
Obtain Relevant Credentials
Maintaining appropriate professional credentials can improve career opportunities.
Consider Leadership
Experienced professionals may advance into positions such as:
- Lead sonographer
- Senior pediatric sonographer
- Imaging supervisor
- Clinical coordinator
- Clinical educator
- Department manager
Consider Travel Sonography
Travel or contract positions can sometimes provide higher total compensation, although benefits and job stability may differ from permanent employment.
Compare Job Offers
Look beyond the advertised salary.
Compare:
- Base salary
- Overtime
- Call pay
- Shift differentials
- Bonuses
- Retirement contributions
- Health insurance
- Paid leave
- Education benefits
Can a Pediatric Sonographer Make $100,000 a Year?
Yes, $100,000 per year is possible, particularly for experienced professionals in higher-paying markets or specialized positions.
At $100,000 per year, gross income is approximately:
| Pay Period | Gross Income |
|---|---|
| Annual | $100,000 |
| Monthly | $8,333 |
| Biweekly | $3,846 |
| Weekly | $1,923 |
| Hourly | $48.08 |
However, $100,000 should not be considered a guaranteed salary for pediatric sonographers.
Discover More:
Can a Pediatric Sonographer Make $120,000?
Yes, some experienced pediatric sonographers can potentially earn $120,000 or more.
This level of compensation may be more realistic for senior professionals, specialized positions, high-paying markets, travel assignments, leadership roles, or jobs that include substantial overtime and premium pay.
The broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation had a highest-10% wage above $123,170 in May 2024, providing useful context for the upper end of the profession.
Pediatric Sonographer Benefits
Total compensation includes more than salary.
Common benefits may include:
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Retirement plans
- Employer retirement contributions
- Paid vacation
- Sick leave
- Paid holidays
- Life insurance
- Disability insurance
- Continuing education
- Tuition assistance
- Certification reimbursement
When comparing jobs, calculate the value of these benefits before deciding which offer is financially better.
Pediatric Sonographer Career Outlook
The broader diagnostic medical sonography profession has a strong employment outlook.
The BLS projects 13% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 5,800 openings per year are projected during that period.
Although this projection covers diagnostic medical sonographers overall rather than pediatric sonographers specifically, it provides useful context for the profession.
Demand can be supported by:
- Increasing use of diagnostic imaging
- Advances in ultrasound technology
- Growing healthcare needs
- Expansion of specialized imaging
- Replacement of retiring workers
- Increasing applications of ultrasound
Pediatric sonography is particularly valuable in children’s hospitals and specialty medical centers where complex pediatric imaging is performed.
Is Pediatric Sonography a Good Career in 2027?
Pediatric sonography can be an excellent career choice for people interested in healthcare and medical imaging who enjoy working with children.
Advantages
- Competitive earning potential
- Specialized career path
- Strong overall sonography outlook
- Opportunities for advancement
- Multiple healthcare settings
- Possibility of higher earnings with experience
- Opportunity to work in children’s hospitals
- Potential specialization opportunities
Challenges
The work can also be demanding.
Pediatric patients may be anxious, uncomfortable, or unable to remain still during an examination. Sonographers must therefore combine technical ability with patience and effective communication.
The physical demands of sonography can also include prolonged standing, repetitive scanning movements, and assisting with patient positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a pediatric sonographer make in 2027?
A reasonable 2027 planning range is approximately $65,000 to $110,000+ per year, depending on experience, location, specialty, employer, and credentials.
What is the average pediatric sonographer salary?
Private salary estimates vary considerably. Salary.com reported an average of approximately $76,094 per year in August 2026.
The broader BLS diagnostic medical sonographer occupation had a median wage of $89,340 in May 2024.
How much does a pediatric sonographer make per hour?
A practical 2027 planning range is approximately $31 to $60+ per hour, depending on experience and location.
Can pediatric sonographers make six figures?
Yes. Experienced pediatric sonographers, especially those working in high-paying markets, specialized facilities, leadership positions, or premium-shift roles, can potentially earn $100,000 or more.
What is the highest-paying state for pediatric sonographers?
There is no official BLS state ranking specifically for pediatric sonographers. Current private salary estimates show several markets in California, New Jersey, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Washington, and Alaska among higher-paying locations.
Do pediatric sonographers work in children’s hospitals?
Yes. Children’s hospitals are an important workplace for pediatric sonographers because they provide specialized care for infants, children, and adolescents.
What degree do you need to become a pediatric sonographer?
Diagnostic medical sonographers typically need at least an associate degree or postsecondary certificate, according to the BLS. Specific employers and states may have additional requirements.
Is pediatric sonography a good career?
Pediatric sonography can be a strong career for people who enjoy medical imaging, patient care, and working with children. The broader diagnostic medical sonography occupation is projected to grow 13% from 2024 to 2034.
Conclusion
The pediatric sonographer salary in 2027 can vary significantly depending on experience, location, education, credentials, employer, specialty, and schedule.
For career planning, an approximate range of $65,000 to $110,000+ per year is reasonable, with experienced and highly specialized professionals potentially earning $120,000 or more in certain markets.
The latest official benchmark from the BLS is for the broader diagnostic medical sonographer occupation, which had a median annual wage of $89,340 in May 2024 and a median hourly wage of $42.95. The highest 10% earned more than $123,170.
Current private-market estimates demonstrate why there is no single answer to the question of pediatric sonographer pay. Salary.com estimated an average of approximately $76,094 in August 2026, while other salary platforms report substantially different figures because they use different data sources and definitions.
If you want to maximize earning potential, focus on pediatric clinical experience, advanced imaging skills, professional credentials, higher-paying markets, specialized facilities, and career advancement.
Ultimately, the best pediatric sonographer job is not necessarily the one with the highest advertised salary. Compare base pay, overtime, benefits, schedule, retirement contributions, location, cost of living, and advancement opportunities to determine the true value of a position.
Zak is a dedicated medical and career writer specializing in sonography, healthcare education, and professional development. Through SonographerSalary.com, he shares in-depth insights on sonographer salaries, education pathways, and career tips to help readers build successful futures in medical imaging. His content combines accuracy with practical, easy-to-understand guidance, empowering students and professionals to make confident, informed career decisions.