Sonographer Pay

Marana vs Mesa: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Marana, AZ and Mesa, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Marana, AZ
$100,664
$48.39/hr
Mesa, AZ
$107,356
$51.62/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarana, AZMesa, AZ
Median Salary$100,664$107,356
Hourly Rate$48.39$51.62
Entry Level (P10)$69,900$75,460
25th Percentile$82,580$89,278
75th Percentile$109,773$119,370
Top Earner (P90)$130,920$145,451
Total Employed798
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marana ($100,664) and Mesa ($107,356) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.MaranaMesaMedian Salary$100,664$107,356Entry Level (P10)$69,900$75,460Top Earner (P90)$130,920$145,451US Median $101,352

Verdict

Mesa, AZ offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Marana.

The salary gap between Marana and Mesa is $6,692 (6.65%). Mesa's median is +5.92% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Marana spans $61,020,Mesa spans $69,991. Mesa has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.

Marana
P10 (Entry)$69,900
P25$82,580
Median$100,664
P75$109,773
P90 (Top)$130,920
Mesa
P10 (Entry)$75,460
P25$89,278
Median$107,356
P75$119,370
P90 (Top)$145,451

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Mesa ($108,991 effective) pays 6.65% more than Marana ($102,197 effective).

Marana
Nominal: $100,664
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $102,197
Mesa
Nominal: $107,356
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $108,991

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marana if…

  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Mesa if…

  • Higher median salary ($107,356/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($145,451)
  • Larger job market (98 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,991)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Marana grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.0% growth in Mesa over the same period.

Marana, AZ

+5.0%

$91,375 (2024) → $95,934 (2025)

Mesa, AZ

+5.0%

$97,396 (2024) → $102,312 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Marana or Mesa?

Mesa has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $107,356/year, compared to Marana at $100,664/year — a difference of $6,692 (6.65%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marana and Mesa?

Marana diagnostic medical sonographers earn $48.39/hr while Mesa hygienists earn $51.62/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Marana to Mesa as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marana and Mesa. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marana = $102,197, Mesa = $108,991), job availability (7 vs 98 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Marana vs Mesa?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $69,900 in Marana and $75,460 in Mesa. The Mesa area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

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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