Bentonville vs Fayetteville: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bentonville, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bentonville, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,009 | $89,002▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.84 | $42.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,635 | $71,174▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,428 | $82,874▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,698 | $103,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,744▲ | $111,939 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bentonville.
The salary gap between Bentonville and Fayetteville is $1,993 (2.29%). Fayetteville's median is -12.19% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bentonville spans $55,109,Fayetteville spans $40,765. Bentonville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bentonville ($100,125 effective) pays 2.77% more than Fayetteville ($97,426 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bentonville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,744)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,125)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,002/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Bentonville grew 46.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 29.6% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bentonville, AR
$56,660 (2024) → $82,921 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$65,450 (2019) → $84,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bentonville, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bentonville or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bentonville and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bentonville to Fayetteville as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bentonville vs Fayetteville?
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