Sonographer Pay

Hernando vs Jackson: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Hernando, MS and Jackson, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Hernando, MS
$81,768
$39.31/hr
Jackson, MS
$84,521
$40.64/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHernando, MSJackson, MS
Median Salary$81,768$84,521
Hourly Rate$39.31$40.64
Entry Level (P10)$57,765$66,190
25th Percentile$70,660$76,389
75th Percentile$89,525$98,214
Top Earner (P90)$105,228$103,681
Total Employed6170
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Hernando ($81,768) and Jackson ($84,521) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.HernandoJacksonMedian Salary$81,768$84,521Entry Level (P10)$57,765$66,190Top Earner (P90)$105,228$103,681US Median $101,352

Verdict

Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hernando.

The salary gap between Hernando and Jackson is $2,753 (3.37%). Jackson's median is -16.61% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hernando spans $47,463,Jackson spans $37,491. Hernando has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Hernando
P10 (Entry)$57,765
P25$70,660
Median$81,768
P75$89,525
P90 (Top)$105,228
Jackson
P10 (Entry)$66,190
P25$76,389
Median$84,521
P75$98,214
P90 (Top)$103,681

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hernando ($95,412 effective) pays 0.52% more than Jackson ($94,916 effective).

Hernando
Nominal: $81,768
CoL Index: 85.7
Adjusted: $95,412
Jackson
Nominal: $84,521
CoL Index: 89.048
Adjusted: $94,916

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Hernando if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($105,228)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $95,412)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Choose Jackson if…

  • Higher median salary ($84,521/year)
  • Larger job market (170 employed)
  • You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Hernando grew 55.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Jackson over the same period.

Hernando, MS

+55.8%

$50,020 (2024) → $77,926 (2025)

Jackson, MS

+21.1%

$66,530 (2019) → $80,550 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Hernando or Jackson?

Jackson has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $84,521/year, compared to Hernando at $81,768/year — a difference of $2,753 (3.37%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Hernando and Jackson?

Hernando diagnostic medical sonographers earn $39.31/hr while Jackson hygienists earn $40.64/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Hernando to Jackson as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Hernando and Jackson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Hernando = $95,412, Jackson = $94,916), job availability (6 vs 170 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Hernando vs Jackson?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $57,765 in Hernando and $66,190 in Jackson. The Jackson area offers higher starting salaries.
AK

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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