Mitchell vs Rapid City: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Mitchell, SD and Rapid City, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mitchell, SD | Rapid City, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,533 | $95,144▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.04 | $45.74▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,347 | $66,665▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $75,092 | $78,409▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $95,885 | $106,138▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,760 | $128,081▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Rapid City, SD offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mitchell.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Rapid City is $5,611 (6.27%). Rapid City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $46,413,Rapid City spans $61,416. Rapid City 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, Rapid City ($102,526 effective) pays 6.27% more than Mitchell ($96,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mitchell if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Rapid City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,144/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,081)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,526)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Mitchell grew 34.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.8% growth in Rapid City over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$63,603 (2024) → $85,326 (2025)
Rapid City, SD
$70,970 (2019) → $90,674 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Rapid City, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Mitchell or Rapid City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mitchell and Rapid City?
Should I relocate from Mitchell to Rapid City as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Mitchell vs Rapid City?
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