Chico vs Riverside: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Chico, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chico, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,987▲ | $111,079 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.50▲ | $53.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,613▲ | $64,322 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,374▲ | $102,076 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,906▲ | $135,748 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $158,822▲ | $158,046 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 960▲ |
Verdict
Chico, CA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Chico and Riverside is $18,908 (17.02%). 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,Riverside spans $93,724. Riverside 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 23.09% more than Riverside ($104,356 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 top-earner potential ($158,822)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $128,449)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (960 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 23.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Chico, CA
$95,070 (2019) → $123,880 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$85,950 (2019) → $105,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Chico or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chico and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Chico to Riverside as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Chico vs Riverside?
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