Milwaukee vs West Bend: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Milwaukee, WI and West Bend, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | West Bend, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $110,691▲ | $106,755 |
| Hourly Rate | $53.22▲ | $51.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,218▲ | $75,451 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,342▲ | $88,182 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,388▲ | $113,949 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,170 | $133,517▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to West Bend.
The salary gap between Milwaukee and West Bend is $3,936 (3.69%). 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 Milwaukee spans $44,952,West Bend spans $58,066. West Bend 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, West Bend ($114,299 effective) pays 0.10% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,691/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose West Bend if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,517)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,299)
- ✓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 38.6% growth in West Bend over the same period.
Milwaukee, WI
$89,560 (2019) → $105,490 (2025)
West Bend, WI
$73,421 (2024) → $101,739 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Milwaukee, WI
West Bend, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Milwaukee or West Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Milwaukee and West Bend?
Should I relocate from Milwaukee to West Bend as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Milwaukee vs West Bend?
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