Iowa City vs Muscatine: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Iowa City, IA and Muscatine, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Iowa City, IA | Muscatine, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,226▲ | $81,212 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.86▲ | $39.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,053▲ | $63,454 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,053▲ | $71,217 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,049▲ | $88,228 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,943▲ | $103,107 |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Muscatine.
The salary gap between Iowa City and Muscatine is $10,014 (12.33%). Iowa City's median is -9.99% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Iowa City spans $37,890,Muscatine spans $39,653. Muscatine 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, Iowa City ($99,691 effective) pays 10.97% more than Muscatine ($89,836 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,226/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,943)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,691)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Muscatine if…
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Iowa City grew 30.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.6% growth in Muscatine over the same period.
Iowa City, IA
$66,420 (2019) → $86,940 (2025)
Muscatine, IA
$64,166 (2024) → $77,396 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Iowa City, IA
Muscatine, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Iowa City or Muscatine?
What is the hourly rate difference between Iowa City and Muscatine?
Should I relocate from Iowa City to Muscatine as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Iowa City vs Muscatine?
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