Auburn vs Portland: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Auburn, ME and Portland, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Auburn, ME | Portland, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,863 | $106,252▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.60 | $51.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,042 | $83,157▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,911 | $87,721▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,199 | $112,884▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,816 | $140,239▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Auburn.
The salary gap between Auburn and Portland is $11,389 (12.01%). Portland's median is +4.83% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Auburn spans $48,774,Portland spans $57,082. Portland 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, Portland ($104,314 effective) pays 9.52% more than Auburn ($95,244 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Auburn if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,239)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,314)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Auburn grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.7% growth in Portland over the same period.
Auburn, ME
$76,750 (2024) → $90,406 (2025)
Portland, ME
$76,320 (2019) → $101,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Auburn, ME
Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Auburn or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Auburn and Portland?
Should I relocate from Auburn to Portland as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Auburn vs Portland?
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