Charleston vs North Charleston: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,422 | $94,393▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.44 | $45.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $81,006▲ | $61,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,396▲ | $80,532 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,555▲ | $104,206 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,555 | $126,006▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $1,971 (2.13%). North Charleston's median is -6.87% 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,North Charleston spans $64,316. North Charleston 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, North Charleston ($103,162 effective) pays 12.69% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,393/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,006)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,162)
- ✓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 28.8% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$73,710 (2019) → $88,080 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$69,845 (2024) → $89,958 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Charleston or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Charleston to North Charleston as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Charleston vs North Charleston?
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