Milwaukee vs Waukesha: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Milwaukee, WI and Waukesha, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Waukesha, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,691 | $112,085▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $53.22 | $53.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,218▲ | $76,885 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,342▲ | $91,133 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,388▲ | $121,345 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,170 | $144,735▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Waukesha, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Milwaukee.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and Waukesha is $1,394 (1.26%). Waukesha's median is +10.59% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Milwaukee spans $44,952,Waukesha spans $67,850. Waukesha 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, Waukesha ($120,005 effective) pays 5.09% more than Milwaukee ($114,189 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Waukesha if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,085/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,735)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,005)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Milwaukee grew 17.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.6% growth in Waukesha over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$89,560 (2019) → $105,490 (2025)
Waukesha, WI
$74,905 (2024) → $106,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
Waukesha, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Milwaukee or Waukesha?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and Waukesha?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to Waukesha as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Milwaukee vs Waukesha?
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