Allentown vs New Castle: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Allentown, PA and New Castle, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | New Castle, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,190▲ | $80,844 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.44▲ | $38.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,880▲ | $59,710 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,046▲ | $71,495 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,364▲ | $85,346 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,390▲ | $98,921 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to New Castle.
The salary gap between Allentown and New Castle is $5,346 (6.61%). Allentown's median is -14.96% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $28,510,New Castle spans $39,211. New Castle 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, Allentown ($86,218 effective) pays 3.87% more than New Castle ($83,002 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,190/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,390)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,218)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose New Castle if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Allentown grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.6% growth in New Castle over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$69,030 (2019) → $82,140 (2025)
New Castle, PA
$78,276 (2024) → $77,046 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
New Castle, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Allentown or New Castle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and New Castle?
Should I relocate from Allentown to New Castle as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Allentown vs New Castle?
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