Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,306▲ | $83,155 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.74▲ | $39.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,500▲ | $58,717 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,519▲ | $68,842 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,910▲ | $90,646 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,341▲ | $107,408 |
| Total Employed | 1,660▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre is $16,151 (19.42%). Philadelphia's median is -2.02% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $36,841,Wilkes-Barre spans $48,691. Wilkes-Barre 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, Philadelphia ($96,833 effective) pays 13.42% more than Wilkes-Barre ($85,375 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,306/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,341)
- ✓Larger job market (1,660 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,833)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Philadelphia grew 34.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.6% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$70,180 (2019) → $94,640 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$80,514 (2024) → $79,248 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Philadelphia or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to Wilkes-Barre as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Philadelphia vs Wilkes-Barre?
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