Knoxville vs Oak Ridge: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Knoxville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,272▲ | $81,702 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.03▲ | $39.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,118 | $57,280▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,551▲ | $67,337 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,964▲ | $88,768 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,443 | $110,083▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Oak Ridge is $1,570 (1.92%). Knoxville's median is -17.84% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $53,325,Oak Ridge spans $52,803. Knoxville 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, Knoxville ($89,957 effective) pays 1.07% more than Oak Ridge ($89,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,272/year)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $89,957)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,083)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Knoxville grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$58,830 (2019) → $79,360 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$64,849 (2024) → $77,863 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Knoxville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Oak Ridge as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Knoxville vs Oak Ridge?
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