Sonographer Pay

Chaska vs Duluth: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Chaska, MN and Duluth, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chaska, MN
$98,660
$47.43/hr
Duluth, MN
$99,526
$47.85/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChaska, MNDuluth, MN
Median Salary$98,660$99,526
Hourly Rate$47.43$47.85
Entry Level (P10)$70,785$82,821
25th Percentile$82,198$88,225
75th Percentile$105,925$108,928
Top Earner (P90)$124,772$128,078
Total Employed590
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chaska ($98,660) and Duluth ($99,526) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.ChaskaDuluthMedian Salary$98,660$99,526Entry Level (P10)$70,785$82,821Top Earner (P90)$124,772$128,078US Median $101,352

Verdict

Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chaska.

The salary gap between Chaska and Duluth is $866 (0.88%). Duluth's median is -1.80% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chaska spans $53,987,Duluth spans $45,257. Chaska has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chaska
P10 (Entry)$70,785
P25$82,198
Median$98,660
P75$105,925
P90 (Top)$124,772
Duluth
P10 (Entry)$82,821
P25$88,225
Median$99,526
P75$108,928
P90 (Top)$128,078

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($112,119 effective) pays 11.94% more than Chaska ($100,162 effective).

Chaska
Nominal: $98,660
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $100,162
Duluth
Nominal: $99,526
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $112,119

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chaska if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($99,526/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($128,078)
  • Larger job market (90 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,119)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Chaska grew 9.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Duluth over the same period.

Chaska, MN

+9.8%

$85,664 (2024) → $94,025 (2025)

Duluth, MN

+20.8%

$78,540 (2019) → $94,850 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Chaska or Duluth?

Duluth has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $99,526/year, compared to Chaska at $98,660/year — a difference of $866 (0.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chaska and Duluth?

Chaska diagnostic medical sonographers earn $47.43/hr while Duluth hygienists earn $47.85/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chaska to Duluth as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chaska and Duluth. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chaska = $100,162, Duluth = $112,119), job availability (5 vs 90 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Chaska vs Duluth?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $70,785 in Chaska and $82,821 in Duluth. The Duluth area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

AK

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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