Carson City vs Reno: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Carson City, NV and Reno, NV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carson City, NV | Reno, NV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,090 | $113,303▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.67 | $54.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,979 | $74,165▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,475 | $100,313▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,647 | $139,819▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,597 | $139,819▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Reno, NV offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carson City.
The salary gap between Carson City and Reno is $16,213 (16.70%). Reno's median is +11.79% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carson City spans $59,618,Reno spans $65,654. Reno 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, Reno ($112,166 effective) pays 13.56% more than Carson City ($98,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carson City if…
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Choose Reno if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($113,303/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,819)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,166)
- ✓You prefer the Nevada area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Carson City grew 7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Reno over the same period.
Carson City, NV
$86,215 (2024) → $92,528 (2025)
Reno, NV
$88,770 (2019) → $107,980 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carson City, NV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Carson City or Reno?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carson City and Reno?
Should I relocate from Carson City to Reno as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Carson City vs Reno?
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