Sonographer Pay

Franklin vs Madison: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

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

Franklin, WI
$104,445
$50.21/hr
Madison, WI
$106,987
$51.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFranklin, WIMadison, WI
Median Salary$104,445$106,987
Hourly Rate$50.21$51.44
Entry Level (P10)$78,767$102,212
25th Percentile$87,527$105,140
75th Percentile$115,039$120,974
Top Earner (P90)$136,334$133,513
Total Employed8210
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Franklin ($104,445) and Madison ($106,987) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.FranklinMadisonMedian Salary$104,445$106,987Entry Level (P10)$78,767$102,212Top Earner (P90)$136,334$133,513US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Franklin and Madison is $2,542 (2.43%). 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 Franklin spans $57,567,Madison spans $31,301. Franklin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Franklin
P10 (Entry)$78,767
P25$87,527
Median$104,445
P75$115,039
P90 (Top)$136,334
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, Franklin ($111,825 effective) pays 1.69% more than Madison ($109,970 effective).

Franklin
Nominal: $104,445
CoL Index: 93.4
Adjusted: $111,825
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 Franklin if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($136,334)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,825)
  • 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 Franklin grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Madison over the same period.

Franklin, WI

+38.6%

$71,832 (2024) → $99,538 (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: Franklin or Madison?

Madison has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $106,987/year, compared to Franklin at $104,445/year — a difference of $2,542 (2.43%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Franklin and Madison?

Franklin diagnostic medical sonographers earn $50.21/hr while Madison hygienists earn $51.44/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Franklin and Madison. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Franklin = $111,825, Madison = $109,970), job availability (8 vs 210 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $78,767 in Franklin 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