New York vs Rochester: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between New York, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,537▲ | $86,116 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.10▲ | $41.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,186▲ | $79,254 |
| 25th Percentile | $105,108▲ | $82,097 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,774▲ | $101,803 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $137,353▲ | $107,847 |
| Total Employed | 7,020▲ | 400 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between New York and Rochester is $26,421 (30.68%). New York's median is +11.04% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $50,167,Rochester spans $28,593. New York 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, New York ($99,977 effective) pays 12.65% more than Rochester ($88,747 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($112,537/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,353)
- ✓Larger job market (7,020 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,977)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in New York grew 35.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Rochester over the same period.
New York, NY
$79,420 (2019) → $107,250 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$72,370 (2019) → $82,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: New York or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Rochester?
Should I relocate from New York to Rochester as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in New York vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
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