Sonographer Pay

Linden vs Trenton: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Linden, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Linden, NJ
$114,311
$54.96/hr
Trenton, NJ
$102,097
$49.09/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLinden, NJTrenton, NJ
Median Salary$114,311$102,097
Hourly Rate$54.96$49.09
Entry Level (P10)$80,218$81,027
25th Percentile$93,911$86,546
75th Percentile$124,079$111,362
Top Earner (P90)$146,214$123,188
Total Employed7160
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Linden ($114,311) and Trenton ($102,097) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.LindenTrentonMedian Salary$114,311$102,097Entry Level (P10)$80,218$81,027Top Earner (P90)$146,214$123,188US Median $101,352

Verdict

Linden, NJ offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Trenton.

The salary gap between Linden and Trenton is $12,214 (11.96%). Linden's median is +12.79% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Linden spans $65,996,Trenton spans $42,161. Linden has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Linden
P10 (Entry)$80,218
P25$93,911
Median$114,311
P75$124,079
P90 (Top)$146,214
Trenton
P10 (Entry)$81,027
P25$86,546
Median$102,097
P75$111,362
P90 (Top)$123,188

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Linden ($99,228 effective) pays 0.28% more than Trenton ($98,950 effective).

Linden
Nominal: $114,311
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $99,228
Trenton
Nominal: $102,097
CoL Index: 103.18
Adjusted: $98,950

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Linden if…

  • Higher median salary ($114,311/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($146,214)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,228)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Trenton if…

  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Linden grew 2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Trenton over the same period.

Linden, NJ

+2.8%

$106,018 (2024) → $108,940 (2025)

Trenton, NJ

+13.4%

$85,820 (2019) → $97,300 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Linden or Trenton?

Linden has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $114,311/year, compared to Trenton at $102,097/year — a difference of $12,214 (11.96%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Linden and Trenton?

Linden diagnostic medical sonographers earn $54.96/hr while Trenton hygienists earn $49.09/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Linden to Trenton as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Linden and Trenton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Linden = $99,228, Trenton = $98,950), job availability (7 vs 160 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Linden vs Trenton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $80,218 in Linden and $81,027 in Trenton. The Trenton 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