Franklin vs South Bend: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Franklin, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Franklin, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,134 | $86,924▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.41 | $41.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,036 | $61,720▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $71,199 | $71,625▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $93,918▲ | $90,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,868▲ | $103,167 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 70▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Franklin.
The salary gap between Franklin and South Bend is $790 (0.92%). South Bend's median is -14.24% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Franklin spans $49,832,South Bend spans $41,447. Franklin 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, Franklin ($94,342 effective) pays 0.78% more than South Bend ($93,610 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Franklin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,868)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $94,342)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,924/year)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Franklin grew 23.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Franklin, IN
$66,419 (2024) → $82,087 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$65,860 (2019) → $82,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Franklin, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Franklin or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Franklin to South Bend as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Franklin vs South Bend?
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