Boston vs Chelsea: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Chelsea, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,584▲ | $108,959 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.09▲ | $52.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,524▲ | $78,533 |
| 25th Percentile | $109,190▲ | $91,130 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,105▲ | $117,404 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,505▲ | $138,084 |
| Total Employed | 1,590▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chelsea.
The salary gap between Boston and Chelsea is $5,625 (5.16%). 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 Boston spans $38,981,Chelsea spans $59,551. Chelsea 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, Boston ($105,836 effective) pays 5.39% more than Chelsea ($100,423 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Chelsea if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Boston grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.1% growth in Chelsea over the same period.
Boston, MA
$87,320 (2019) → $109,200 (2025)
Chelsea, MA
$111,806 (2024) → $103,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Chelsea, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Boston or Chelsea?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Chelsea?
Should I relocate from Boston to Chelsea as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Boston vs Chelsea?
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