Barre vs Burlington: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Barre, VT and Burlington, VT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Barre, VT | Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,898 | $86,295▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.82 | $41.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,762 | $64,464▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,330 | $74,050▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $90,226 | $94,738▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,442 | $112,563▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Burlington, VT offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Barre.
The salary gap between Barre and Burlington is $1,397 (1.65%). Burlington's median is -14.86% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Barre spans $43,680,Burlington spans $48,099. Burlington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Burlington ($83,377 effective) pays 1.65% more than Barre ($82,027 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Barre if…
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,295/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,563)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,377)
- ✓You prefer the Vermont area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Barre grew 1.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in Burlington over the same period.
Barre, VT
$80,126 (2024) → $80,909 (2025)
Burlington, VT
$81,445 (2024) → $82,241 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Barre or Burlington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Barre and Burlington?
Should I relocate from Barre to Burlington as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Barre vs Burlington?
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