Arvada vs Colorado Springs: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Arvada, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arvada, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $115,145 | $116,315▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $55.36 | $55.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,388 | $93,996▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $97,207 | $98,529▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $126,066▲ | $117,899 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,942▲ | $127,364 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 160▲ |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arvada.
The salary gap between Arvada and Colorado Springs is $1,170 (1.02%). Colorado Springs's median is +14.76% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arvada spans $68,554,Colorado Springs spans $33,368. Arvada 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, Colorado Springs ($115,498 effective) pays 5.32% more than Arvada ($109,662 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,942)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,315/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,498)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Arvada grew 10.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.0% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Arvada, CO
$98,912 (2024) → $109,735 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$78,080 (2019) → $110,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arvada, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Arvada or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arvada and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Arvada to Colorado Springs as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Arvada vs Colorado Springs?
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