Bloomington vs Fort Wayne: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bloomington, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,830 | $87,617▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.75 | $42.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,570 | $69,453▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,517▲ | $80,523 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,595 | $103,702▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,205 | $103,702▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Fort Wayne is $787 (0.91%). Fort Wayne's median is -13.55% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $38,635,Fort Wayne spans $34,249. Bloomington 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, Fort Wayne ($94,647 effective) pays 3.64% more than Bloomington ($91,319 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,617/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,702)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,647)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Bloomington grew 31.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Bloomington, IN
$62,790 (2021) → $82,750 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$68,200 (2019) → $83,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bloomington or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Fort Wayne as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bloomington vs Fort Wayne?
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