Sonographer Pay

Boise vs Pocatello: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Boise, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boise, ID
$100,119
$48.13/hr
Pocatello, ID
$96,949
$46.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoise, IDPocatello, ID
Median Salary$100,119$96,949
Hourly Rate$48.13$46.61
Entry Level (P10)$64,357$66,701
25th Percentile$78,710$78,975
75th Percentile$112,584$105,107
Top Earner (P90)$137,934$125,438
Total Employed6012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boise ($100,119) and Pocatello ($96,949) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.BoisePocatelloMedian Salary$100,119$96,949Entry Level (P10)$64,357$66,701Top Earner (P90)$137,934$125,438US Median $101,352

Verdict

Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.

The salary gap between Boise and Pocatello is $3,170 (3.27%). Boise's median is -1.22% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise spans $73,577,Pocatello spans $58,737. Boise has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boise
P10 (Entry)$64,357
P25$78,710
Median$100,119
P75$112,584
P90 (Top)$137,934
Pocatello
P10 (Entry)$66,701
P25$78,975
Median$96,949
P75$105,107
P90 (Top)$125,438

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise ($105,057 effective) pays 3.27% more than Pocatello ($101,730 effective).

Boise
Nominal: $100,119
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $105,057
Pocatello
Nominal: $96,949
CoL Index: 95.3
Adjusted: $101,730

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boise if…

  • Higher median salary ($100,119/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($137,934)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,057)
  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Choose Pocatello if…

  • You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Boise grew 17.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Pocatello over the same period.

Boise, ID

+17.8%

$81,002 (2024) → $95,415 (2025)

Pocatello, ID

+17.8%

$78,438 (2024) → $92,394 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Boise or Pocatello?

Boise has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $100,119/year, compared to Pocatello at $96,949/year — a difference of $3,170 (3.27%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boise and Pocatello?

Boise diagnostic medical sonographers earn $48.13/hr while Pocatello hygienists earn $46.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boise to Pocatello as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boise and Pocatello. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boise = $105,057, Pocatello = $101,730), job availability (60 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Boise vs Pocatello?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $64,357 in Boise and $66,701 in Pocatello. The Pocatello area offers higher starting salaries.
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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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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