Sonographer Pay

Philadelphia vs York: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Philadelphia, PA and York, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Philadelphia, PA
$99,306
$47.74/hr
York, PA
$85,728
$41.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhiladelphia, PAYork, PA
Median Salary$99,306$85,728
Hourly Rate$47.74$41.22
Entry Level (P10)$84,500$74,416
25th Percentile$88,519$82,832
75th Percentile$107,910$100,670
Top Earner (P90)$121,341$106,682
Total Employed1,660100
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Philadelphia ($99,306) and York ($85,728) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.PhiladelphiaYorkMedian Salary$99,306$85,728Entry Level (P10)$84,500$74,416Top Earner (P90)$121,341$106,682US Median $101,352

Verdict

Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to York.

The salary gap between Philadelphia and York is $13,578 (15.84%). 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,York spans $32,266. Philadelphia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Philadelphia
P10 (Entry)$84,500
P25$88,519
Median$99,306
P75$107,910
P90 (Top)$121,341
York
P10 (Entry)$74,416
P25$82,832
Median$85,728
P75$100,670
P90 (Top)$106,682

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Philadelphia ($96,833 effective) pays 8.44% more than York ($89,300 effective).

Philadelphia
Nominal: $99,306
CoL Index: 102.554
Adjusted: $96,833
York
Nominal: $85,728
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $89,300

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 York 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 22.3% growth in York over the same period.

Philadelphia, PA

+34.9%

$70,180 (2019) → $94,640 (2025)

York, PA

+22.3%

$66,790 (2019) → $81,700 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Philadelphia or York?

Philadelphia has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $99,306/year, compared to York at $85,728/year — a difference of $13,578 (15.84%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and York?

Philadelphia diagnostic medical sonographers earn $47.74/hr while York hygienists earn $41.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Philadelphia to York as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Philadelphia and York. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Philadelphia = $96,833, York = $89,300), job availability (1,660 vs 100 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Philadelphia vs York?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $84,500 in Philadelphia and $74,416 in York. The Philadelphia 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