Bristol vs Pawtucket: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bristol, RI and Pawtucket, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, RI | Pawtucket, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,425 | $101,747▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.36 | $48.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,459▲ | $69,208 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,204 | $82,287▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,736 | $111,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,874 | $140,828▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Pawtucket, RI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Pawtucket is $5,322 (5.52%). Pawtucket's median is +0.39% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $55,415,Pawtucket spans $71,620. Pawtucket 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, Pawtucket ($101,241 effective) pays 5.52% more than Bristol ($95,945 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Pawtucket if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,747/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,828)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,241)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Bristol grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Pawtucket over the same period.
Bristol, RI
$85,625 (2024) → $91,895 (2025)
Pawtucket, RI
$90,351 (2024) → $96,967 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, RI
Pawtucket, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bristol or Pawtucket?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Pawtucket?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Pawtucket as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bristol vs Pawtucket?
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