Raleigh vs Winston-Salem: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Raleigh, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,376 | $90,816▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.45 | $43.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,494▲ | $58,443 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,199▲ | $71,379 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,496▲ | $102,070 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,772 | $125,391▲ |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Winston-Salem, NC offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Winston-Salem is $440 (0.49%). Winston-Salem's median is -10.40% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $38,278,Winston-Salem spans $66,948. Winston-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, Winston-Salem ($97,026 effective) pays 5.38% more than Raleigh ($92,073 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,816/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,391)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,026)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Raleigh grew 26.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.4% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$67,850 (2019) → $86,130 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$75,664 (2024) → $86,549 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Raleigh or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Winston-Salem as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Raleigh vs Winston-Salem?
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