Huntington vs South Charleston: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Huntington, WV and South Charleston, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Huntington, WV | South Charleston, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,716 | $83,981▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.77 | $40.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,828▲ | $62,210 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,607▲ | $71,101 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,532 | $88,782▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,654▲ | $102,960 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Huntington and South Charleston are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Huntington and South Charleston is $1,265 (1.53%). South Charleston's median is -17.14% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Huntington spans $34,826,South Charleston spans $40,750. South Charleston 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, South Charleston ($97,088 effective) pays 3.79% more than Huntington ($93,547 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,654)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose South Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,981/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,088)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Huntington grew 19.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.3% growth in South Charleston over the same period.
Huntington, WV
$65,910 (2019) → $78,830 (2025)
South Charleston, WV
$54,689 (2024) → $80,035 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Huntington, WV
South Charleston, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Huntington or South Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Huntington and South Charleston?
Should I relocate from Huntington to South Charleston as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Huntington vs South Charleston?
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