Duluth vs Owatonna: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Duluth, MN and Owatonna, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Duluth, MN | Owatonna, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,526▲ | $99,102 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.85▲ | $47.65 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,821▲ | $68,866 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,225▲ | $80,915 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,928▲ | $107,083 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,078▲ | $125,961 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Duluth, MN offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owatonna.
The salary gap between Duluth and Owatonna is $424 (0.43%). Duluth's median is -1.80% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $45,257,Owatonna spans $57,095. Owatonna 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, Duluth ($112,119 effective) pays 11.44% more than Owatonna ($100,611 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Duluth if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,526/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,078)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,119)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Owatonna if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Duluth grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Owatonna over the same period.
Duluth, MN
$78,540 (2019) → $94,850 (2025)
Owatonna, MN
$86,047 (2024) → $94,446 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Duluth, MN
Owatonna, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Duluth or Owatonna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Owatonna?
Should I relocate from Duluth to Owatonna as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Duluth vs Owatonna?
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