Farmington Hills vs Grand Rapids: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Farmington Hills, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Farmington Hills, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,283 | $86,976▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.48 | $41.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,688 | $70,586▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $70,046 | $80,796▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,192▲ | $92,129 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,866▲ | $97,921 |
| Total Employed | 20 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Farmington Hills.
The salary gap between Farmington Hills and Grand Rapids is $693 (0.80%). Grand Rapids's median is -14.18% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Farmington Hills spans $61,178,Grand Rapids spans $27,335. Farmington Hills 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, Farmington Hills ($92,578 effective) pays 1.70% more than Grand Rapids ($91,030 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Farmington Hills if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,866)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,578)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($86,976/year)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Farmington Hills grew 13.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Farmington Hills, MI
$72,801 (2024) → $82,229 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$60,980 (2019) → $82,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Farmington Hills, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Farmington Hills or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Farmington Hills and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from Farmington Hills to Grand Rapids as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Farmington Hills vs Grand Rapids?
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