Charleston vs South Charleston: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Charleston, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,642 | $83,981▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $38.29 | $40.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,016▲ | $62,210 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,845 | $71,101▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,444 | $88,782▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,097 | $102,960▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 5 |
Verdict
South Charleston, WV offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and South Charleston is $4,339 (5.45%). South Charleston's median is -17.14% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $34,081,South Charleston spans $40,750. South 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, South Charleston ($97,088 effective) pays 8.15% more than Charleston ($89,771 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 (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,981/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,960)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,088)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Charleston grew 24.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, WV
$61,040 (2019) → $75,900 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$54,689 (2024) → $80,035 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Charleston or South Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and South Charleston?
Should I relocate from Charleston to South Charleston as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Charleston vs South 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