Dickinson vs Fargo: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Dickinson, ND and Fargo, ND. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dickinson, ND | Fargo, ND |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,174 | $91,467▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.83 | $43.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,693 | $74,826▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,761 | $85,392▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,792 | $98,214▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,011▲ | $107,627 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Fargo, ND offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Dickinson.
The salary gap between Dickinson and Fargo is $293 (0.32%). Fargo's median is -9.75% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dickinson spans $58,318,Fargo spans $32,801. Dickinson has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fargo ($100,656 effective) pays 1.57% more than Dickinson ($99,102 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dickinson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($122,011)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Fargo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,467/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,656)
- ✓You prefer the North Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Dickinson grew 23.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Fargo over the same period.
Dickinson, ND
$70,167 (2024) → $86,890 (2025)
Fargo, ND
$69,200 (2019) → $87,170 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dickinson, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Dickinson or Fargo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dickinson and Fargo?
Should I relocate from Dickinson to Fargo as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Dickinson vs Fargo?
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