Portland vs Salem: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Portland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,751▲ | $133,975 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.78▲ | $64.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $103,073▲ | $101,100 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,320▲ | $108,078 |
| 75th Percentile | $137,721 | $141,152▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,904 | $143,828▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $776 (0.58%). Portland's median is +32.95% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $39,831,Salem spans $42,728. Salem 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, Salem ($129,258 effective) pays 1.12% more than Portland ($127,822 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 ($134,751/year)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,828)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,258)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Portland grew 36.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 47.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$94,270 (2019) → $128,420 (2025)
Salem, OR
$86,690 (2019) → $127,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Portland vs Salem?
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