📍 South Dakota Programs from 18 months to 4 years📈 +13.0% projected growth💼 5,800 annual openings

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer salary in South Dakota

A strong career option in South Dakota — with programs that take 18 months to 4 years to complete.

Median pay · May 2025

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

$80,820/ yr

$6,735 / mo · $38.86 / hr

$15,770 below the national median ($96,590)

Pay by experience

Entry

$51,106

Median

$80,820

Experienced

$98,093

Demand

High

Program length

18 months to 4 years

Projected growth

+13.0%

Annual openings

5,800

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Market trajectory

BLS national wage benchmarks

How South Dakota compares to the national wage trend

South Dakota median

$80,820

2025 national

$96,590

2024 national

$89,340

+8.1% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.

Job demand & outlook

+13.0% projected growth through 2034

5,800 average annual openings nationwide for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers.

High demand

Source: BLS Employment Projections

Where this career can take you

A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step

  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (entry-level)$51,106
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (mid-career)$80,820
  • Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (experienced)$98,093

Is this career change worth it?

A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain

What it typically costs

  • Average training cost$20,046
  • Time to complete18 months to 4 years
  • Credential earnedAssociate Degree

What you get back

  • Starting salary$51,106
  • Median salary$80,820
  • Experienced salary$98,093

At an entry wage of $51,106, most Diagnostic Medical Sonographers break even on the $20,046 training investment in about 5 months of work.

How to become a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in South Dakota

A clear path from where you are to where you want to be

1

Find a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer program in South Dakota

Browse certified training programs. Most Diagnostic Medical Sonographer tracks complete in 18 months to 4 years and average $20,046 in tuition.

2

Earn your Associate Degree

Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Associate Degree in South Dakota.

3

Get hired in South Dakota

With roughly 5,800 Diagnostic Medical Sonographer openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in South Dakota.

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Frequently asked questions

The median salary for a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer in South Dakota is $80,820 per year, which is $38.86 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $51,106 while experienced Diagnostic Medical Sonographers can earn up to $98,093 annually.

Next step

Find Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Classes Near You

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