Bear vs Newark: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bear, DE and Newark, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Newark, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,657 | $85,696▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.74 | $41.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,285 | $62,253▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,021 | $71,965▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,544 | $92,557▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,200 | $109,281▲ |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Newark, DE offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bear.
The salary gap between Bear and Newark is $3,039 (3.68%). Newark's median is -15.45% 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,Newark spans $47,028. Newark 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, Newark ($84,264 effective) pays 3.68% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($85,696/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,281)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,264)
- ✓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 Newark over the same period.
Bear, DE
$81,867 (2024) → $78,773 (2025)
Newark, DE
$84,877 (2024) → $81,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bear or Newark?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Newark?
Should I relocate from Bear to Newark as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bear vs Newark?
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