Fayetteville vs Searcy: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Searcy, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Searcy, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,002▲ | $83,854 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.79▲ | $40.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,174▲ | $61,226 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,874▲ | $70,345 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,608▲ | $88,039 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,939▲ | $101,821 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Searcy.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Searcy is $5,148 (6.14%). Fayetteville's median is -12.19% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $40,765,Searcy spans $40,595. Fayetteville 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, Fayetteville ($97,426 effective) pays 0.97% more than Searcy ($96,495 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,002/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,939)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,426)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Searcy if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Fayetteville grew 29.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in Searcy over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$65,450 (2019) → $84,820 (2025)
Searcy, AR
$54,605 (2024) → $79,914 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Searcy, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Fayetteville or Searcy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Searcy?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Searcy as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Fayetteville vs Searcy?
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