Sonographer Pay

Colorado Springs vs Erie: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Erie, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Colorado Springs, CO
$116,315
$55.92/hr
Erie, CO
$111,266
$53.49/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColorado Springs, COErie, CO
Median Salary$116,315$111,266
Hourly Rate$55.92$53.49
Entry Level (P10)$93,996$79,579
25th Percentile$98,529$92,863
75th Percentile$117,899$119,616
Top Earner (P90)$127,364$140,972
Total Employed1605
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Colorado Springs ($116,315) and Erie ($111,266) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.Colorado SpringsErieMedian Salary$116,315$111,266Entry Level (P10)$93,996$79,579Top Earner (P90)$127,364$140,972US Median $101,352

Verdict

Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Erie.

The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Erie is $5,049 (4.54%). Colorado Springs's median is +14.76% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $33,368,Erie spans $61,393. Erie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.

Colorado Springs
P10 (Entry)$93,996
P25$98,529
Median$116,315
P75$117,899
P90 (Top)$127,364
Erie
P10 (Entry)$79,579
P25$92,863
Median$111,266
P75$119,616
P90 (Top)$140,972

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($115,498 effective) pays 8.99% more than Erie ($105,968 effective).

Colorado Springs
Nominal: $116,315
CoL Index: 100.707
Adjusted: $115,498
Erie
Nominal: $111,266
CoL Index: 105
Adjusted: $105,968

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Colorado Springs if…

  • Higher median salary ($116,315/year)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,498)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Erie if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($140,972)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Colorado Springs grew 42.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.9% growth in Erie over the same period.

Colorado Springs, CO

+42.0%

$78,080 (2019) → $110,850 (2025)

Erie, CO

+10.9%

$95,580 (2024) → $106,038 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Colorado Springs or Erie?

Colorado Springs has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $116,315/year, compared to Erie at $111,266/year — a difference of $5,049 (4.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Erie?

Colorado Springs diagnostic medical sonographers earn $55.92/hr while Erie hygienists earn $53.49/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Erie as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Colorado Springs and Erie. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Colorado Springs = $115,498, Erie = $105,968), job availability (160 vs 5 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Colorado Springs vs Erie?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $93,996 in Colorado Springs and $79,579 in Erie. The Colorado Springs area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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