Madison vs Onalaska: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Madison, WI and Onalaska, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Onalaska, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,987▲ | $103,495 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44▲ | $49.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,212▲ | $75,214 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,140▲ | $90,963 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,974▲ | $108,728 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,513▲ | $125,779 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Onalaska.
The salary gap between Madison and Onalaska is $3,492 (3.37%). Madison's median is +5.56% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $31,301,Onalaska spans $50,565. Onalaska 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, Onalaska ($110,808 effective) pays 0.76% more than Madison ($109,970 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,987/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,513)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Onalaska if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,808)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Madison grew 27.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Onalaska over the same period.
Madison, WI
$80,170 (2019) → $101,960 (2025)
Onalaska, WI
$71,178 (2024) → $98,632 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Onalaska, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Madison or Onalaska?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Onalaska?
Should I relocate from Madison to Onalaska as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Madison vs Onalaska?
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