Madison vs River Falls: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Madison, WI and River Falls, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | River Falls, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,987▲ | $102,375 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44▲ | $49.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,212▲ | $72,936 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,140▲ | $88,589 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,974▲ | $112,202 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $133,513▲ | $131,932 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to River Falls.
The salary gap between Madison and River Falls is $4,612 (4.51%). 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,River Falls spans $58,996. River Falls 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, Madison ($109,970 effective) pays 0.33% more than River Falls ($109,609 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)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,970)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose River Falls if…
- ✓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 River Falls over the same period.
Madison, WI
$80,170 (2019) → $101,960 (2025)
River Falls, WI
$70,408 (2024) → $97,565 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
River Falls, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Madison or River Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and River Falls?
Should I relocate from Madison to River Falls as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Madison vs River Falls?
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