Sonographer Pay

Hollywood vs Orlando: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Hollywood, FL and Orlando, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hollywood, FL
$86,500
$41.58/hr
Orlando, FL
$87,417
$42.02/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHollywood, FLOrlando, FL
Median Salary$86,500$87,417
Hourly Rate$41.58$42.02
Entry Level (P10)$62,633$68,918
25th Percentile$73,017$82,066
75th Percentile$98,160$102,160
Top Earner (P90)$119,507$106,850
Total Employed37930
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hollywood ($86,500) and Orlando ($87,417) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.HollywoodOrlandoMedian Salary$86,500$87,417Entry Level (P10)$62,633$68,918Top Earner (P90)$119,507$106,850US Median $101,352

Verdict

Orlando, FL offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hollywood.

The salary gap between Hollywood and Orlando is $917 (1.06%). Orlando's median is -13.75% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hollywood spans $56,874,Orlando spans $37,932. Hollywood has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hollywood
P10 (Entry)$62,633
P25$73,017
Median$86,500
P75$98,160
P90 (Top)$119,507
Orlando
P10 (Entry)$68,918
P25$82,066
Median$87,417
P75$102,160
P90 (Top)$106,850

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Orlando ($86,195 effective) pays 0.44% more than Hollywood ($85,813 effective).

Hollywood
Nominal: $86,500
CoL Index: 100.8
Adjusted: $85,813
Orlando
Nominal: $87,417
CoL Index: 101.418
Adjusted: $86,195

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hollywood if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($119,507)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Choose Orlando if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,417/year)
  • Larger job market (930 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,195)
  • You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Hollywood grew 9.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Orlando over the same period.

Hollywood, FL

+9.9%

$74,997 (2024) → $82,436 (2025)

Orlando, FL

+19.1%

$69,950 (2019) → $83,310 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Hollywood or Orlando?

Orlando has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $87,417/year, compared to Hollywood at $86,500/year — a difference of $917 (1.06%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hollywood and Orlando?

Hollywood diagnostic medical sonographers earn $41.58/hr while Orlando hygienists earn $42.02/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hollywood to Orlando as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hollywood and Orlando. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hollywood = $85,813, Orlando = $86,195), job availability (37 vs 930 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Hollywood vs Orlando?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $62,633 in Hollywood and $68,918 in Orlando. The Orlando area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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