Manchester vs Merrimack: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Manchester, NH and Merrimack, NH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, NH | Merrimack, NH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $108,613▲ | $105,990 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.21▲ | $50.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $82,863▲ | $73,470 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,505▲ | $86,486 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,837▲ | $114,395 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,183▲ | $134,634 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Manchester, NH offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrimack.
The salary gap between Manchester and Merrimack is $2,623 (2.47%). Manchester's median is +7.16% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $58,320,Merrimack spans $61,164. Merrimack 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, Manchester ($102,798 effective) pays 4.07% more than Merrimack ($98,779 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,613/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,183)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,798)
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Choose Merrimack if…
- ✓You prefer the New Hampshire area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Manchester grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Merrimack over the same period.
Manchester, NH
$84,930 (2019) → $103,510 (2025)
Merrimack, NH
$94,119 (2024) → $101,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, NH
Merrimack, NH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Manchester or Merrimack?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Merrimack?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Merrimack as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Manchester vs Merrimack?
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