Sonographer Pay

Ann Arbor vs Auburn Hills: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Auburn Hills, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Ann Arbor, MI
$89,316
$42.94/hr
Auburn Hills, MI
$84,124
$40.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAnn Arbor, MIAuburn Hills, MI
Median Salary$89,316$84,124
Hourly Rate$42.94$40.44
Entry Level (P10)$81,657$58,657
25th Percentile$88,015$68,833
75th Percentile$100,901$94,073
Top Earner (P90)$102,538$112,551
Total Employed2004
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Ann Arbor ($89,316) and Auburn Hills ($84,124) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.Ann ArborAuburn HillsMedian Salary$89,316$84,124Entry Level (P10)$81,657$58,657Top Earner (P90)$102,538$112,551US Median $101,352

Verdict

Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn Hills.

The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Auburn Hills is $5,192 (6.17%). Ann Arbor's median is -11.88% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $20,881,Auburn Hills spans $53,894. Auburn Hills has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.

Ann Arbor
P10 (Entry)$81,657
P25$88,015
Median$89,316
P75$100,901
P90 (Top)$102,538
Auburn Hills
P10 (Entry)$58,657
P25$68,833
Median$84,124
P75$94,073
P90 (Top)$112,551

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn Hills ($90,262 effective) pays 1.95% more than Ann Arbor ($88,537 effective).

Ann Arbor
Nominal: $89,316
CoL Index: 100.88
Adjusted: $88,537
Auburn Hills
Nominal: $84,124
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $90,262

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Ann Arbor if…

  • Higher median salary ($89,316/year)
  • Larger job market (200 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Auburn Hills if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($112,551)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,262)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Ann Arbor grew 28.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.9% growth in Auburn Hills over the same period.

Ann Arbor, MI

+28.8%

$66,100 (2019) → $85,120 (2025)

Auburn Hills, MI

+12.9%

$70,981 (2024) → $80,172 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Ann Arbor or Auburn Hills?

Ann Arbor has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $89,316/year, compared to Auburn Hills at $84,124/year — a difference of $5,192 (6.17%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Auburn Hills?

Ann Arbor diagnostic medical sonographers earn $42.94/hr while Auburn Hills hygienists earn $40.44/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Auburn Hills as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Ann Arbor and Auburn Hills. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Ann Arbor = $88,537, Auburn Hills = $90,262), job availability (200 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Ann Arbor vs Auburn Hills?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $81,657 in Ann Arbor and $58,657 in Auburn Hills. The Ann Arbor area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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