Appleton vs Madison: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,714 | $106,987▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $51.30 | $51.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,197 | $102,212▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,597 | $105,140▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,048 | $120,974▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,471 | $133,513▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $273 (0.26%). Madison's median is +5.56% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $36,274,Madison spans $31,301. Appleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Appleton ($115,468 effective) pays 5.00% 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 Appleton if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,468)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,987/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,513)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Appleton grew 18.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$85,790 (2019) → $101,700 (2025)
Madison, WI
$80,170 (2019) → $101,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Appleton vs Madison?
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