Billings vs Great Falls: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Billings, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,632▲ | $97,241 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.15▲ | $46.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,416▲ | $65,495 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,863▲ | $78,456 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,632▲ | $110,502 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,687 | $134,279▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Billings and Great Falls is $15,391 (15.83%). Billings's median is +11.13% 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,Great Falls spans $68,784. Great Falls 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, Billings ($120,429 effective) pays 19.14% more than Great Falls ($101,082 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,632/year)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,429)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($134,279)
- ✓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 20.7% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Billings, MT
$78,250 (2019) → $107,340 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$76,754 (2024) → $92,672 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Billings or Great Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Great Falls?
Should I relocate from Billings to Great Falls as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Billings vs Great Falls?
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