Altus vs Tulsa: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Altus, OK and Tulsa, OK. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altus, OK | Tulsa, OK |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,425 | $86,903▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.07 | $41.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,665 | $70,775▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,219 | $74,206▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,323 | $98,771▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,862▲ | $109,054 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Tulsa, OK offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Altus.
The salary gap between Altus and Tulsa is $1,478 (1.73%). Tulsa's median is -14.26% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altus spans $49,197,Tulsa spans $38,279. Altus has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Tulsa ($97,410 effective) pays 1.37% more than Altus ($96,091 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,862)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Choose Tulsa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,903/year)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,410)
- ✓You prefer the Oklahoma area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Altus grew 38.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.2% growth in Tulsa over the same period.
Altus, OK
$58,999 (2024) → $81,411 (2025)
Tulsa, OK
$71,270 (2019) → $82,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Altus or Tulsa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altus and Tulsa?
Should I relocate from Altus to Tulsa as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
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Related Comparisons
Written by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT
Career Analyst
Aisha has over 10 years of experience in abdominal sonography. She works at a regional hospital. Aisha also conducts training for new sonographers.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.93% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Khan, RDMS, RVT, a licensed diagnostic medical sonographer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov