Billings vs Bozeman: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Billings, MT and Bozeman, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Bozeman, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,632 | $127,238▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $54.15 | $61.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,416 | $103,639▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $102,863 | $103,639▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,632 | $131,404▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,687 | $134,772▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 30 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $14,606 (12.97%). Bozeman's median is +25.54% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $37,271,Bozeman spans $31,133. Billings 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, Bozeman ($124,123 effective) pays 3.07% more than Billings ($120,429 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,238/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,772)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $124,123)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Billings grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 60.1% growth in Bozeman over the same period.
Billings, MT
$78,250 (2019) → $107,340 (2025)
Bozeman, MT
$75,730 (2024) → $121,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Bozeman, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Billings or Bozeman?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Bozeman?
Should I relocate from Billings to Bozeman as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Billings vs Bozeman?
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