Lexington vs Owensboro: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Lexington, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,068 | $91,247▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.34 | $43.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,971 | $63,432▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,338▲ | $74,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,347▲ | $99,417 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,586 | $118,878▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Owensboro, KY offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Lexington and Owensboro is $3,179 (3.61%). Owensboro's median is -9.97% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $61,615,Owensboro spans $55,446. Lexington 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, Owensboro ($102,180 effective) pays 7.77% more than Lexington ($94,810 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,247/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,878)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,180)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Lexington grew 25.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.7% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$66,740 (2019) → $83,930 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$71,440 (2019) → $86,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Lexington or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Owensboro as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Lexington vs Owensboro?
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