Sonographer Pay

Dallas vs Odessa: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Dallas, TX and Odessa, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dallas, TX
$103,681
$49.85/hr
Odessa, TX
$109,421
$52.61/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDallas, TXOdessa, TX
Median Salary$103,681$109,421
Hourly Rate$49.85$52.61
Entry Level (P10)$84,311$76,379
25th Percentile$91,058$86,231
75th Percentile$107,816$110,859
Top Earner (P90)$121,887$110,859
Total Employed2,16030
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dallas ($103,681) and Odessa ($109,421) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.DallasOdessaMedian Salary$103,681$109,421Entry Level (P10)$84,311$76,379Top Earner (P90)$121,887$110,859US Median $101,352

Verdict

Dallas and Odessa are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Dallas and Odessa is $5,740 (5.54%). Odessa's median is +7.96% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $37,576,Odessa spans $34,480. Dallas has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Dallas
P10 (Entry)$84,311
P25$91,058
Median$103,681
P75$107,816
P90 (Top)$121,887
Odessa
P10 (Entry)$76,379
P25$86,231
Median$109,421
P75$110,859
P90 (Top)$110,859

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Odessa ($116,534 effective) pays 15.87% more than Dallas ($100,573 effective).

Dallas
Nominal: $103,681
CoL Index: 103.09
Adjusted: $100,573
Odessa
Nominal: $109,421
CoL Index: 93.896
Adjusted: $116,534

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dallas if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($121,887)
  • Larger job market (2,160 employed)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Odessa if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,421/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,534)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Dallas grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.5% growth in Odessa over the same period.

Dallas, TX

+32.9%

$74,330 (2019) → $98,810 (2025)

Odessa, TX

+41.5%

$73,710 (2020) → $104,280 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Dallas or Odessa?

Odessa has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $109,421/year, compared to Dallas at $103,681/year — a difference of $5,740 (5.54%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Odessa?

Dallas diagnostic medical sonographers earn $49.85/hr while Odessa hygienists earn $52.61/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dallas to Odessa as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dallas and Odessa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dallas = $100,573, Odessa = $116,534), job availability (2,160 vs 30 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Dallas vs Odessa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $84,311 in Dallas and $76,379 in Odessa. The Dallas 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