Arlington vs Houston: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Arlington, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,587▲ | $99,788 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.84▲ | $47.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,205 | $74,868▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,482 | $86,158▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,845▲ | $105,570 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,407▲ | $111,740 |
| Total Employed | 83 | 1,670▲ |
Verdict
Arlington, TX offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Arlington and Houston is $1,799 (1.80%). Arlington's median is +0.23% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $75,202,Houston spans $36,872. Arlington 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, Arlington ($105,820 effective) pays 4.59% more than Houston ($101,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,587/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,407)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,820)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Arlington grew 19.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.3% growth in Houston over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$80,986 (2024) → $96,814 (2025)
Houston, TX
$72,440 (2019) → $95,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Arlington or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Houston?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Houston as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Arlington vs Houston?
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