Portland vs Scarborough: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Portland, ME and Scarborough, ME. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, ME | Scarborough, ME |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $106,252▲ | $96,313 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.08▲ | $46.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,157▲ | $70,677 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,721▲ | $84,841 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,884▲ | $101,362 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $140,239▲ | $117,341 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Portland, ME offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Scarborough.
The salary gap between Portland and Scarborough is $9,939 (10.32%). Portland's median is +4.83% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $57,082,Scarborough spans $46,664. Portland 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, Portland ($104,314 effective) pays 7.87% more than Scarborough ($96,700 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,252/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,239)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,314)
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Choose Scarborough if…
- ✓You prefer the Maine area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Portland grew 32.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.8% growth in Scarborough over the same period.
Portland, ME
$76,320 (2019) → $101,260 (2025)
Scarborough, ME
$77,923 (2024) → $91,788 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, ME
Scarborough, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Portland or Scarborough?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Scarborough?
Should I relocate from Portland to Scarborough as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Portland vs Scarborough?
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