Houston vs San Marcos: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,788 | $105,241▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.97 | $50.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,868▲ | $73,564 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,158 | $86,921▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,570 | $115,290▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,740 | $138,153▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,670▲ | 13 |
Verdict
San Marcos, TX offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houston.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $5,453 (5.46%). San Marcos's median is +3.84% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $36,872,San Marcos spans $64,589. San Marcos 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, San Marcos ($109,626 effective) pays 8.35% more than Houston ($101,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,241/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,153)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,626)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Houston grew 31.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$72,440 (2019) → $95,100 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$79,750 (2024) → $100,296 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Houston or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Houston vs San Marcos?
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