Springfield vs St. Joseph: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Springfield, MO and St. Joseph, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, MO | St. Joseph, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,507 | $100,985▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.11 | $48.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,377 | $78,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,978▲ | $78,309 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,450▲ | $100,985 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,046 | $121,908▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 40 |
Verdict
St. Joseph, MO offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Springfield.
The salary gap between Springfield and St. Joseph is $15,478 (18.10%). St. Joseph's median is -0.36% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $37,669,St. Joseph spans $43,599. St. Joseph 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, St. Joseph ($116,905 effective) pays 21.11% more than Springfield ($96,525 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Joseph if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,985/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,908)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,905)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Springfield grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 44.7% growth in St. Joseph over the same period.
Springfield, MO
$70,380 (2019) → $81,490 (2025)
St. Joseph, MO
$66,494 (2024) → $96,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, MO
St. Joseph, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Springfield or St. Joseph?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and St. Joseph?
Should I relocate from Springfield to St. Joseph as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Springfield vs St. Joseph?
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