Sonographer Pay

Barnstable vs Boston: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Barnstable, MA and Boston, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Barnstable, MA
$106,894
$51.39/hr
Boston, MA
$114,584
$55.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBarnstable, MABoston, MA
Median Salary$106,894$114,584
Hourly Rate$51.39$55.09
Entry Level (P10)$73,744$103,524
25th Percentile$93,393$109,190
75th Percentile$114,957$136,105
Top Earner (P90)$135,500$142,505
Total Employed81,590
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Barnstable ($106,894) and Boston ($114,584) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.BarnstableBostonMedian Salary$106,894$114,584Entry Level (P10)$73,744$103,524Top Earner (P90)$135,500$142,505US Median $101,352

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Barnstable.

The salary gap between Barnstable and Boston is $7,690 (7.19%). Boston's median is +13.06% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barnstable spans $61,756,Boston spans $38,981. Barnstable has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Barnstable
P10 (Entry)$73,744
P25$93,393
Median$106,894
P75$114,957
P90 (Top)$135,500
Boston
P10 (Entry)$103,524
P25$109,190
Median$114,584
P75$136,105
P90 (Top)$142,505

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($105,836 effective) pays 7.43% more than Barnstable ($98,520 effective).

Barnstable
Nominal: $106,894
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $98,520
Boston
Nominal: $114,584
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $105,836

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Barnstable if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($114,584/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($142,505)
  • Larger job market (1,590 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,836)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Barnstable grew -7.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in Boston over the same period.

Barnstable, MA

+-7.1%

$109,687 (2024) → $101,872 (2025)

Boston, MA

+25.1%

$87,320 (2019) → $109,200 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Barnstable or Boston?

Boston has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $114,584/year, compared to Barnstable at $106,894/year — a difference of $7,690 (7.19%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Barnstable and Boston?

Barnstable diagnostic medical sonographers earn $51.39/hr while Boston hygienists earn $55.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Barnstable to Boston as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Barnstable and Boston. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Barnstable = $98,520, Boston = $105,836), job availability (8 vs 1,590 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Barnstable vs Boston?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $73,744 in Barnstable and $103,524 in Boston. The Boston area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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