Cincinnati vs Akron: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Akron, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Akron, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,138 | $93,870▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.85 | $45.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,644 | $77,627▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,563 | $85,287▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $106,357▲ | $102,485 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,992▲ | $105,066 |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Akron are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Akron is $4,732 (5.31%). Akron's median is -7.38% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $36,348,Akron spans $27,439. Cincinnati 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, Akron ($100,536 effective) pays 7.56% more than Cincinnati ($93,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,992)
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($93,870/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,536)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Cincinnati grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Akron over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$66,780 (2019) → $84,950 (2025)
Akron, OH
$68,250 (2019) → $89,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Cincinnati or Akron?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Akron?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Akron as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Cincinnati vs Akron?
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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