Hattiesburg vs Pearl: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Hattiesburg, MS and Pearl, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hattiesburg, MS | Pearl, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,670 | $86,036▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.78 | $41.36▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,990▲ | $61,694 |
| 25th Percentile | $69,348 | $71,924▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,171 | $92,607▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,479 | $109,194▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Pearl, MS offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Hattiesburg and Pearl is $5,366 (6.65%). Pearl's median is -15.11% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hattiesburg spans $18,489,Pearl spans $47,500. Pearl 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, Pearl ($100,392 effective) pays 9.06% more than Hattiesburg ($92,054 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Pearl if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,036/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,194)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,392)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Hattiesburg grew 27.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 55.8% growth in Pearl over the same period.
Hattiesburg, MS
$60,150 (2021) → $76,880 (2025)
Pearl, MS
$52,631 (2024) → $81,994 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Hattiesburg or Pearl?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hattiesburg and Pearl?
Should I relocate from Hattiesburg to Pearl as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Hattiesburg vs Pearl?
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