Liberal vs Olathe: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Liberal, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberal, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,925 | $92,443▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.31 | $44.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,657▲ | $66,646 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,205 | $77,814▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,974 | $100,978▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,025 | $127,582▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberal.
The salary gap between Liberal and Olathe is $6,518 (7.59%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberal spans $45,368,Olathe spans $60,936. Olathe 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, Olathe ($101,697 effective) pays 7.59% more than Liberal ($94,527 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberal if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,443/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,582)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,697)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Liberal grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.2% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Liberal, KS
$61,041 (2024) → $81,888 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$65,671 (2024) → $88,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberal, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Liberal or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberal and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Liberal to Olathe as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Liberal vs Olathe?
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