Bowling Green vs Lexington: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,762▲ | $88,068 |
| Hourly Rate | $45.56▲ | $42.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,438▲ | $48,971 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,581▲ | $79,338 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,033 | $106,347▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $120,617▲ | $110,586 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Bowling Green, KY offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Lexington is $6,694 (7.60%). Bowling Green's median is -6.50% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $56,179,Lexington spans $61,615. Lexington 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, Bowling Green ($105,082 effective) pays 10.83% more than Lexington ($94,810 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,762/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($120,617)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,082)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Bowling Green grew 31.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$68,860 (2019) → $90,310 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$66,740 (2019) → $83,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bowling Green or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Lexington as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bowling Green vs Lexington?
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