Sonographer Pay

Minneapolis vs Owatonna: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Minneapolis, MN and Owatonna, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Minneapolis, MN
$108,676
$52.24/hr
Owatonna, MN
$99,102
$47.65/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMinneapolis, MNOwatonna, MN
Median Salary$108,676$99,102
Hourly Rate$52.24$47.65
Entry Level (P10)$95,266$68,866
25th Percentile$103,545$80,915
75th Percentile$115,433$107,083
Top Earner (P90)$126,126$125,961
Total Employed1,0606
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Minneapolis ($108,676) and Owatonna ($99,102) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.MinneapolisOwatonnaMedian Salary$108,676$99,102Entry Level (P10)$95,266$68,866Top Earner (P90)$126,126$125,961US Median $101,352

Verdict

Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owatonna.

The salary gap between Minneapolis and Owatonna is $9,574 (9.66%). Minneapolis's median is +7.23% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $30,860,Owatonna spans $57,095. Owatonna has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.

Minneapolis
P10 (Entry)$95,266
P25$103,545
Median$108,676
P75$115,433
P90 (Top)$126,126
Owatonna
P10 (Entry)$68,866
P25$80,915
Median$99,102
P75$107,083
P90 (Top)$125,961

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Minneapolis ($103,677 effective) pays 3.05% more than Owatonna ($100,611 effective).

Minneapolis
Nominal: $108,676
CoL Index: 104.822
Adjusted: $103,677
Owatonna
Nominal: $99,102
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $100,611

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Minneapolis if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,676/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($126,126)
  • Larger job market (1,060 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,677)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Owatonna if…

  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Minneapolis grew 27.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.8% growth in Owatonna over the same period.

Minneapolis, MN

+27.5%

$81,260 (2019) → $103,570 (2025)

Owatonna, MN

+9.8%

$86,047 (2024) → $94,446 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Minneapolis or Owatonna?

Minneapolis has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $108,676/year, compared to Owatonna at $99,102/year — a difference of $9,574 (9.66%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and Owatonna?

Minneapolis diagnostic medical sonographers earn $52.24/hr while Owatonna hygienists earn $47.65/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Minneapolis to Owatonna as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Minneapolis and Owatonna. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Minneapolis = $103,677, Owatonna = $100,611), job availability (1,060 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Minneapolis vs Owatonna?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $95,266 in Minneapolis and $68,866 in Owatonna. The Minneapolis 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