Sonographer Pay

Colorado Springs vs Grand Junction: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

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

Colorado Springs, CO
$116,315
$55.92/hr
Grand Junction, CO
$104,909
$50.44/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColorado Springs, COGrand Junction, CO
Median Salary$116,315$104,909
Hourly Rate$55.92$50.44
Entry Level (P10)$93,996$49,600
25th Percentile$98,529$87,753
75th Percentile$117,899$114,877
Top Earner (P90)$127,364$126,860
Total Employed16050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Colorado Springs ($116,315) and Grand Junction ($104,909) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.Colorado SpringsGrand JunctionMedian Salary$116,315$104,909Entry Level (P10)$93,996$49,600Top Earner (P90)$127,364$126,860US Median $101,352

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Grand Junction is $11,406 (10.87%). 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,Grand Junction spans $77,260. Grand Junction 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
Grand Junction
P10 (Entry)$49,600
P25$87,753
Median$104,909
P75$114,877
P90 (Top)$126,860

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Colorado Springs ($115,498 effective) pays 5.11% more than Grand Junction ($109,880 effective).

Colorado Springs
Nominal: $116,315
CoL Index: 100.707
Adjusted: $115,498
Grand Junction
Nominal: $104,909
CoL Index: 95.476
Adjusted: $109,880

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,364)
  • Larger job market (160 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,498)
  • You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle

Choose Grand Junction if…

  • 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 26.0% growth in Grand Junction over the same period.

Colorado Springs, CO

+42.0%

$78,080 (2019) → $110,850 (2025)

Grand Junction, CO

+26.0%

$79,360 (2021) → $99,980 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Colorado Springs has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $116,315/year, compared to Grand Junction at $104,909/year — a difference of $11,406 (10.87%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Grand Junction?

Colorado Springs diagnostic medical sonographers earn $55.92/hr while Grand Junction hygienists earn $50.44/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Colorado Springs and Grand Junction. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Colorado Springs = $115,498, Grand Junction = $109,880), job availability (160 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $93,996 in Colorado Springs and $49,600 in Grand Junction. The Colorado Springs 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