Middleton vs Milwaukee: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Middleton, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Middleton, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,447 | $110,691▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $48.29 | $53.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,883 | $87,218▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $86,842 | $91,342▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,015 | $126,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,327 | $132,170▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Middleton.
The salary gap between Middleton and Milwaukee is $10,244 (10.20%). Milwaukee's median is +9.21% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Middleton spans $52,444,Milwaukee spans $44,952. Middleton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Milwaukee ($114,189 effective) pays 6.18% more than Middleton ($107,545 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Middleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,691/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,170)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,189)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Middleton grew 38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Middleton, WI
$69,082 (2024) → $95,728 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$89,560 (2019) → $105,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Middleton, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Middleton or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Middleton and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Middleton to Milwaukee as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Middleton vs Milwaukee?
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