Sonographer Pay

Brookfield vs Madison: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Brookfield, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brookfield, WI
$106,815
$51.35/hr
Madison, WI
$106,987
$51.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrookfield, WIMadison, WI
Median Salary$106,815$106,987
Hourly Rate$51.35$51.44
Entry Level (P10)$75,705$102,212
25th Percentile$92,438$105,140
75th Percentile$114,013$120,974
Top Earner (P90)$133,990$133,513
Total Employed6210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brookfield ($106,815) and Madison ($106,987) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.BrookfieldMadisonMedian Salary$106,815$106,987Entry Level (P10)$75,705$102,212Top Earner (P90)$133,990$133,513US Median $101,352

Verdict

Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brookfield.

The salary gap between Brookfield and Madison is $172 (0.16%). Madison's median is +5.56% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brookfield spans $58,285,Madison spans $31,301. Brookfield has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Brookfield
P10 (Entry)$75,705
P25$92,438
Median$106,815
P75$114,013
P90 (Top)$133,990
Madison
P10 (Entry)$102,212
P25$105,140
Median$106,987
P75$120,974
P90 (Top)$133,513

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Brookfield ($114,363 effective) pays 3.99% more than Madison ($109,970 effective).

Brookfield
Nominal: $106,815
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $114,363
Madison
Nominal: $106,987
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $109,970

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brookfield if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($133,990)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,363)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Madison if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,987/year)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Brookfield grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Madison over the same period.

Brookfield, WI

+38.6%

$73,461 (2024) → $101,796 (2025)

Madison, WI

+27.2%

$80,170 (2019) → $101,960 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Brookfield or Madison?

Madison has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $106,987/year, compared to Brookfield at $106,815/year — a difference of $172 (0.16%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brookfield and Madison?

Brookfield diagnostic medical sonographers earn $51.35/hr while Madison hygienists earn $51.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brookfield to Madison as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brookfield and Madison. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brookfield = $114,363, Madison = $109,970), job availability (6 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Brookfield vs Madison?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $75,705 in Brookfield and $102,212 in Madison. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
AK

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