Madison vs Milwaukee: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Madison, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,987 | $110,691▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44 | $53.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,212▲ | $87,218 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,140▲ | $91,342 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,974 | $126,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,513▲ | $132,170 |
| Total Employed | 210 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Milwaukee is $3,704 (3.46%). Milwaukee's median is +9.21% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $31,301,Milwaukee spans $44,952. Milwaukee 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, Milwaukee ($114,189 effective) pays 3.84% more than Madison ($109,970 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,513)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,691/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,189)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Madison grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$80,170 (2019) → $101,960 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$89,560 (2019) → $105,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Madison or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to Milwaukee as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Madison vs Milwaukee?
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