Sonographer Pay

Atlanta vs Macon: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Atlanta, GA and Macon, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$93,325
$44.87/hr
Macon, GA
$83,042
$39.93/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GAMacon, GA
Median Salary$93,325$83,042
Hourly Rate$44.87$39.93
Entry Level (P10)$72,947$71,636
25th Percentile$84,101$80,366
75th Percentile$106,347$97,123
Top Earner (P90)$113,608$105,780
Total Employed1,380100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($93,325) and Macon ($83,042) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.AtlantaMaconMedian Salary$93,325$83,042Entry Level (P10)$72,947$71,636Top Earner (P90)$113,608$105,780US Median $101,352

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Macon.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Macon is $10,283 (12.38%). Atlanta's median is -7.92% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $40,661,Macon spans $34,144. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$72,947
P25$84,101
Median$93,325
P75$106,347
P90 (Top)$113,608
Macon
P10 (Entry)$71,636
P25$80,366
Median$83,042
P75$97,123
P90 (Top)$105,780

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Macon ($93,803 effective) pays 0.57% more than Atlanta ($93,271 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $93,325
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $93,271
Macon
Nominal: $83,042
CoL Index: 88.528
Adjusted: $93,803

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($93,325/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,608)
  • Larger job market (1,380 employed)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Macon if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,803)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Atlanta grew 41.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Macon over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+41.2%

$63,010 (2019) → $88,940 (2025)

Macon, GA

+30.8%

$60,520 (2019) → $79,140 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Atlanta or Macon?

Atlanta has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $93,325/year, compared to Macon at $83,042/year — a difference of $10,283 (12.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Macon?

Atlanta diagnostic medical sonographers earn $44.87/hr while Macon hygienists earn $39.93/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Macon as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Macon. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $93,271, Macon = $93,803), job availability (1,380 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Atlanta vs Macon?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $72,947 in Atlanta and $71,636 in Macon. The Atlanta 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