Bear vs Dover: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bear, DE and Dover, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Dover, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,657 | $85,475▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.74 | $41.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,285▲ | $59,148 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,021 | $74,812▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,544 | $92,181▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,200 | $108,349▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 7▲ |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Dover is $2,818 (3.41%). Dover's median is -15.67% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $39,915,Dover spans $49,201. Dover 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, Dover ($84,046 effective) pays 3.41% more than Bear ($81,275 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,475/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,349)
- ✓Larger job market (7 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,046)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Bear grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.8% growth in Dover over the same period.
Bear, DE
$81,867 (2024) → $78,773 (2025)
Dover, DE
$84,658 (2024) → $81,459 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bear or Dover?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Dover?
Should I relocate from Bear to Dover as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bear vs Dover?
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