Salem vs The Dalles: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Salem, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,975▲ | $111,312 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.41▲ | $53.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $101,100▲ | $85,533 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,078▲ | $96,566 |
| 75th Percentile | $141,152▲ | $122,307 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,828▲ | $143,549 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $22,663 (20.36%). Salem's median is +32.19% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $42,728,The Dalles spans $58,016. The Dalles 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 19.14% more than The Dalles ($108,491 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,975/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,828)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $129,258)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Salem grew 47.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.2% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$86,690 (2019) → $127,680 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$100,795 (2024) → $106,082 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Salem or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Salem to The Dalles as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
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