Davenport vs Dubuque: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Davenport, IA and Dubuque, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Davenport, IA | Dubuque, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,955 | $87,990▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.80 | $42.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,691▲ | $61,608 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,458▲ | $72,547 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,908▲ | $98,225 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,035 | $118,225▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Dubuque, IA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Davenport.
The salary gap between Davenport and Dubuque is $1,035 (1.19%). Dubuque's median is -13.18% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Davenport spans $24,344,Dubuque spans $56,617. Dubuque 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, Davenport ($97,616 effective) pays 0.29% more than Dubuque ($97,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Davenport if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,616)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Dubuque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,990/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,225)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Davenport grew 16.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Dubuque over the same period.
Davenport, IA
$71,080 (2019) → $82,870 (2025)
Dubuque, IA
$69,521 (2024) → $83,856 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Davenport, IA
Dubuque, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Davenport or Dubuque?
What is the hourly rate difference between Davenport and Dubuque?
Should I relocate from Davenport to Dubuque as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Davenport vs Dubuque?
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