Lake Stevens vs Seattle: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Lake Stevens, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Stevens, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,360 | $136,367▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $52.58 | $65.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,094▲ | $63,934 |
| 25th Percentile | $94,876 | $109,348▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $116,957 | $145,286▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,557 | $170,018▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 1,190▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Stevens.
The salary gap between Lake Stevens and Seattle is $27,007 (24.70%). Seattle's median is +34.55% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Stevens spans $54,463,Seattle spans $106,084. Seattle 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, Seattle ($122,706 effective) pays 20.51% more than Lake Stevens ($101,825 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Stevens if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,367/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,018)
- ✓Larger job market (1,190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $122,706)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Lake Stevens grew -10.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.2% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Lake Stevens, WA
$116,339 (2024) → $104,222 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$94,020 (2019) → $129,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Stevens, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Lake Stevens or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Stevens and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Lake Stevens to Seattle as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Lake Stevens vs Seattle?
Related Comparisons
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