Bristol vs Richmond: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,980 | $100,376▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.93 | $48.26▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,527 | $83,671▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,953 | $86,273▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $87,818 | $103,870▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,460 | $108,088▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $19,396 (23.95%). Richmond's median is -0.96% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $41,933,Richmond spans $24,417. Bristol 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, Richmond ($102,573 effective) pays 30.72% more than Bristol ($78,469 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($100,376/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($108,088)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,573)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Bristol grew -5.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$81,376 (2024) → $77,175 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$74,390 (2019) → $95,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
Related Comparisons
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