Roanoke vs Sterling: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Sterling, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Sterling, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,239 | $88,260▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.94 | $42.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,138▲ | $65,909 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,340▲ | $73,756 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,636▲ | $96,878 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,636 | $115,098▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Sterling, VA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Sterling is $1,021 (1.17%). Sterling's median is -12.92% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $25,498,Sterling spans $49,189. Sterling 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, Roanoke ($93,186 effective) pays 8.96% more than Sterling ($85,523 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,186)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($88,260/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,098)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Roanoke grew 17.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.6% growth in Sterling over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$70,910 (2019) → $83,140 (2025)
Sterling, VA
$81,195 (2024) → $84,113 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Sterling, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Roanoke or Sterling?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Sterling?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Sterling as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Roanoke vs Sterling?
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