Sonographer Pay

Marana vs Tucson: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

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

Marana, AZ
$100,664
$48.39/hr
Tucson, AZ
$101,688
$48.89/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMarana, AZTucson, AZ
Median Salary$100,664$101,688
Hourly Rate$48.39$48.89
Entry Level (P10)$69,900$80,796
25th Percentile$82,580$88,047
75th Percentile$109,773$111,782
Top Earner (P90)$130,920$122,831
Total Employed7230
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Marana ($100,664) and Tucson ($101,688) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.MaranaTucsonMedian Salary$100,664$101,688Entry Level (P10)$69,900$80,796Top Earner (P90)$130,920$122,831US Median $101,352

Verdict

Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Marana.

The salary gap between Marana and Tucson is $1,024 (1.02%). Tucson's median is +0.33% 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,Tucson spans $42,035. Marana has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Marana
P10 (Entry)$69,900
P25$82,580
Median$100,664
P75$109,773
P90 (Top)$130,920
Tucson
P10 (Entry)$80,796
P25$88,047
Median$101,688
P75$111,782
P90 (Top)$122,831

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Tucson ($104,946 effective) pays 2.69% more than Marana ($102,197 effective).

Marana
Nominal: $100,664
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $102,197
Tucson
Nominal: $101,688
CoL Index: 96.896
Adjusted: $104,946

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Marana if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($130,920)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Tucson if…

  • Higher median salary ($101,688/year)
  • Larger job market (230 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,946)
  • 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 25.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.

Marana, AZ

+5.0%

$91,375 (2024) → $95,934 (2025)

Tucson, AZ

+25.1%

$77,490 (2019) → $96,910 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Tucson has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $101,688/year, compared to Marana at $100,664/year — a difference of $1,024 (1.02%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Marana and Tucson?

Marana diagnostic medical sonographers earn $48.39/hr while Tucson hygienists earn $48.89/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Marana and Tucson. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Marana = $102,197, Tucson = $104,946), job availability (7 vs 230 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $69,900 in Marana and $80,796 in Tucson. The Tucson 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