Salt Lake City vs Washington: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Salt Lake City, UT and Washington, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Washington, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,452 | $96,586▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.37 | $46.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,482▲ | $66,531 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,751 | $84,311▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,223▲ | $107,423 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,854 | $128,264▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Washington, UT offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salt Lake City.
The salary gap between Salt Lake City and Washington is $134 (0.14%). Washington's median is -4.70% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salt Lake City spans $45,372,Washington spans $61,733. Washington 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, Washington ($98,457 effective) pays 2.96% more than Salt Lake City ($95,622 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Washington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,586/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,264)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,457)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Salt Lake City grew 22.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.7% growth in Washington over the same period.
Salt Lake City, UT
$75,010 (2019) → $91,920 (2025)
Washington, UT
$76,238 (2024) → $92,048 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Salt Lake City or Washington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salt Lake City and Washington?
Should I relocate from Salt Lake City to Washington as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Salt Lake City vs Washington?
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