Colorado Springs vs Lakewood: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Lakewood, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Lakewood, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $116,315▲ | $112,537 |
| Hourly Rate | $55.92▲ | $54.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $93,996▲ | $80,667 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,529▲ | $94,375 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,899 | $126,899▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,364 | $154,709▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 27 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Lakewood is $3,778 (3.36%). 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,Lakewood spans $74,042. Lakewood 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, Colorado Springs ($115,498 effective) pays 7.76% more than Lakewood ($107,178 effective).
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 Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,709)
- ✓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 Lakewood over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$78,080 (2019) → $110,850 (2025)
Lakewood, CO
$96,672 (2024) → $107,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Lakewood, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Colorado Springs or Lakewood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Lakewood?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Lakewood as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Colorado Springs vs Lakewood?
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