Lincoln vs Scottsbluff: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Lincoln, NE and Scottsbluff, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Scottsbluff, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $85,518 | $88,996▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.11 | $42.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,907▲ | $63,441 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,859▲ | $79,048 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,161▲ | $94,275 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,417 | $109,417▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Scottsbluff, NE offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lincoln.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Scottsbluff is $3,478 (4.07%). Scottsbluff's median is -12.19% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $41,510,Scottsbluff spans $45,976. Scottsbluff 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, Scottsbluff ($97,263 effective) pays 4.16% more than Lincoln ($93,380 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Scottsbluff if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,996/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,417)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,263)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Lincoln grew 30.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Scottsbluff over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$62,480 (2019) → $81,500 (2025)
Scottsbluff, NE
$66,735 (2024) → $84,815 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Scottsbluff, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Lincoln or Scottsbluff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Scottsbluff?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Scottsbluff as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Lincoln vs Scottsbluff?
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