Charleston vs Conway: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Charleston, SC and Conway, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Conway, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,422▲ | $85,517 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.44▲ | $41.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,006▲ | $65,165 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,396▲ | $73,722 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,555▲ | $91,776 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,555▲ | $106,645 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.
The salary gap between Charleston and Conway is $6,905 (8.07%). Charleston's median is -8.81% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $32,549,Conway spans $41,480. Conway 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, Conway ($93,461 effective) pays 2.10% more than Charleston ($91,541 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,422/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,555)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Conway if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,461)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Charleston grew 19.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Conway over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$73,710 (2019) → $88,080 (2025)
Conway, SC
$62,474 (2024) → $81,499 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Conway, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Charleston or Conway?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Conway?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Conway as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Charleston vs Conway?
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