Auburn vs Huntsville: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Auburn, AL and Huntsville, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, AL | Huntsville, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,216 | $71,457▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.24 | $34.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,448▲ | $54,889 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,448▲ | $61,374 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,535 | $83,818▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,952▲ | $96,703 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Huntsville, AL offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Huntsville is $241 (0.34%). Huntsville's median is -29.50% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $33,504,Huntsville spans $41,814. Huntsville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Auburn ($80,989 effective) pays 5.49% more than Huntsville ($76,776 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,952)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,989)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Huntsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,457/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Auburn grew 13.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Huntsville over the same period.
Auburn, AL
$59,660 (2021) → $67,870 (2025)
Huntsville, AL
$61,390 (2019) → $68,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, AL
Huntsville, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Auburn or Huntsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Huntsville?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Huntsville as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Auburn vs Huntsville?
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