Chico vs Los Angeles: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Chico, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,987▲ | $125,318 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.50▲ | $60.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,613▲ | $59,999 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,374▲ | $90,219 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,906 | $149,861▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,822 | $176,660▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 3,550▲ |
Verdict
Chico and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chico and Los Angeles is $4,669 (3.73%). Chico's median is +28.25% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chico spans $60,209,Los Angeles spans $116,661. Los Angeles 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, Chico ($128,449 effective) pays 16.40% more than Los Angeles ($110,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chico if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($129,987/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,449)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,660)
- ✓Larger job market (3,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Chico grew 30.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Chico, CA
$95,070 (2019) → $123,880 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Chico or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Chico to Los Angeles as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Chico vs Los Angeles?
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