Dover vs Wilmington: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Dover, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,475 | $101,001▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.09 | $48.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,148 | $70,006▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,812 | $82,664▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $92,181 | $110,044▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,349 | $131,069▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dover.
The salary gap between Dover and Wilmington is $15,526 (18.16%). Wilmington's median is -0.35% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $49,201,Wilmington spans $61,063. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($99,313 effective) pays 18.16% more than Dover ($84,046 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,001/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,069)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,313)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Dover grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Dover, DE
$84,658 (2024) → $81,459 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$86,018 (2024) → $96,256 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Dover or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Dover to Wilmington as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Dover vs Wilmington?
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