El Monte vs Sacramento: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between El Monte, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | El Monte, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $140,188 | $171,267▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $67.40 | $82.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $94,997 | $107,165▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,404 | $135,674▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $156,936 | $190,207▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $190,798 | $197,583▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 610▲ |
Verdict
Sacramento, CA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Monte.
The salary gap between El Monte and Sacramento is $31,079 (22.17%). Sacramento's median is +68.98% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in El Monte spans $95,801,Sacramento spans $90,418. El Monte 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, Sacramento ($160,558 effective) pays 29.53% more than El Monte ($123,950 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose El Monte if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($171,267/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,583)
- ✓Larger job market (610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $160,558)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in El Monte grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.1% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
El Monte, CA
$143,896 (2024) → $133,601 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$121,700 (2019) → $163,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
El Monte, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: El Monte or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between El Monte and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from El Monte to Sacramento as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in El Monte vs Sacramento?
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