Sonographer Pay

Phoenix vs Chandler: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)

Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Chandler, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Phoenix, AZ
$107,879
$51.87/hr
Chandler, AZ
$108,634
$52.22/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPhoenix, AZChandler, AZ
Median Salary$107,879$108,634
Hourly Rate$51.87$52.22
Entry Level (P10)$77,648$70,042
25th Percentile$87,449$85,485
75th Percentile$116,147$122,373
Top Earner (P90)$134,447$149,884
Total Employed1,60049
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Phoenix ($107,879) and Chandler ($108,634) diagnostic medical sonographer salaries.PhoenixChandlerMedian Salary$107,879$108,634Entry Level (P10)$77,648$70,042Top Earner (P90)$134,447$149,884US Median $101,352

Verdict

Chandler, AZ offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Phoenix.

The salary gap between Phoenix and Chandler is $755 (0.70%). Chandler's median is +7.18% compared to the US national median of $101,352.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $56,799,Chandler spans $79,842. Chandler has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced diagnostic medical sonographers.

Phoenix
P10 (Entry)$77,648
P25$87,449
Median$107,879
P75$116,147
P90 (Top)$134,447
Chandler
P10 (Entry)$70,042
P25$85,485
Median$108,634
P75$122,373
P90 (Top)$149,884

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chandler ($110,288 effective) pays 5.62% more than Phoenix ($104,417 effective).

Phoenix
Nominal: $107,879
CoL Index: 103.316
Adjusted: $104,417
Chandler
Nominal: $108,634
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $110,288

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Phoenix if…

  • Larger job market (1,600 employed)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Choose Chandler if…

  • Higher median salary ($108,634/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($149,884)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,288)
  • You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Phoenix grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.1% growth in Chandler over the same period.

Phoenix, AZ

+13.5%

$90,620 (2019) → $102,810 (2025)

Chandler, AZ

+10.1%

$93,992 (2024) → $103,530 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Phoenix or Chandler?

Chandler has a higher median diagnostic medical sonographer salary at $108,634/year, compared to Phoenix at $107,879/year — a difference of $755 (0.70%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Chandler?

Phoenix diagnostic medical sonographers earn $51.87/hr while Chandler hygienists earn $52.22/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Phoenix to Chandler as a diagnostic medical sonographer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Phoenix and Chandler. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Phoenix = $104,417, Chandler = $110,288), job availability (1,600 vs 49 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Phoenix vs Chandler?

Entry-level (10th percentile) diagnostic medical sonographers earn $77,648 in Phoenix and $70,042 in Chandler. The Phoenix 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