Sonographer Pay

Madison vs Oshkosh: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Madison, WI and Oshkosh, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Madison, WI
$106,987
$51.44/hr
Oshkosh, WI
$110,743
$53.24/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMadison, WIOshkosh, WI
Median Salary$106,987$110,743
Hourly Rate$51.44$53.24
Entry Level (P10)$102,212$87,816
25th Percentile$105,140$101,457
75th Percentile$120,974$120,502
Top Earner (P90)$133,513$124,846
Total Employed21050
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Madison ($106,987) and Oshkosh ($110,743) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.MadisonOshkoshMedian Salary$106,987$110,743Entry Level (P10)$102,212$87,816Top Earner (P90)$133,513$124,846US Median $101,352

Verdict

Madison and Oshkosh are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Madison and Oshkosh is $3,756 (3.51%). Oshkosh's median is +9.27% 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,Oshkosh spans $37,030. Oshkosh has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.

Madison
P10 (Entry)$102,212
P25$105,140
Median$106,987
P75$120,974
P90 (Top)$133,513
Oshkosh
P10 (Entry)$87,816
P25$101,457
Median$110,743
P75$120,502
P90 (Top)$124,846

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Oshkosh ($119,169 effective) pays 8.36% more than Madison ($109,970 effective).

Madison
Nominal: $106,987
CoL Index: 97.287
Adjusted: $109,970
Oshkosh
Nominal: $110,743
CoL Index: 92.929
Adjusted: $119,169

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Madison if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($133,513)
  • Larger job market (210 employed)
  • You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle

Choose Oshkosh if…

  • Higher median salary ($110,743/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $119,169)
  • 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 19.5% growth in Oshkosh over the same period.

Madison, WI

+27.2%

$80,170 (2019) → $101,960 (2025)

Oshkosh, WI

+19.5%

$88,350 (2019) → $105,540 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Madison or Oshkosh?

Oshkosh has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $110,743/year, compared to Madison at $106,987/year — a difference of $3,756 (3.51%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Oshkosh?

Madison diagnostic medical sonographers earn $51.44/hr while Oshkosh hygienists earn $53.24/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Madison to Oshkosh as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Madison and Oshkosh. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Madison = $109,970, Oshkosh = $119,169), job availability (210 vs 50 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Madison vs Oshkosh?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $102,212 in Madison and $87,816 in Oshkosh. The Madison area offers higher starting salaries.
AK

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.

Clinically reviewed by Liam Johnson, RDMS, RTData verified by Maria Gonzalez, ARDMS, RVT

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