Los Angeles vs Merced: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Merced, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Merced, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,318 | $132,747▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.25 | $63.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,999 | $91,177▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,219 | $108,021▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,861▲ | $146,709 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,660▲ | $176,406 |
| Total Employed | 3,550▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Merced are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Merced is $7,429 (5.93%). Merced's median is +30.98% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $116,661,Merced spans $85,229. Los Angeles 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, Merced ($117,371 effective) pays 6.36% more than Los Angeles ($110,348 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,660)
- ✓Larger job market (3,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Merced if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($132,747/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $117,371)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Los Angeles grew 25.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.2% growth in Merced over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)
Merced, CA
$106,100 (2022) → $126,510 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Merced, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Los Angeles or Merced?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Merced?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Merced as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Los Angeles vs Merced?
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