Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $125,318 | $168,171▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $60.25 | $80.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $59,999 | $99,264▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $90,219 | $129,463▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $149,861 | $190,123▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,660 | $214,204▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,550▲ | 1,300 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $42,853 (34.20%). San Francisco's median is +65.93% 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,San Francisco spans $114,940. 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, San Francisco ($145,460 effective) pays 31.82% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (3,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($168,171/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($214,204)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $145,460)
- ✓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 39.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$95,340 (2019) → $119,430 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$114,790 (2019) → $160,270 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to San Francisco as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
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