San Diego vs Fresno: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between San Diego, CA and Fresno, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Fresno, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $136,021▲ | $113,062 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.39▲ | $54.35 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,509 | $80,964▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $108,991▲ | $101,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $154,436▲ | $142,915 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,345▲ | $171,970 |
| Total Employed | 720▲ | 390 |
Verdict
San Diego, CA offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fresno.
The salary gap between San Diego and Fresno is $22,959 (20.31%). San Diego's median is +34.21% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in San Diego spans $107,836,Fresno spans $91,006. San Diego 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, San Diego ($121,570 effective) pays 9.85% more than Fresno ($110,674 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose San Diego if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,021/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($176,345)
- ✓Larger job market (720 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,570)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Fresno if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in San Diego grew 29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Fresno over the same period.
San Diego, CA
$100,400 (2019) → $129,630 (2025)
Fresno, CA
$94,850 (2019) → $107,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
San Diego, CA
Fresno, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: San Diego or Fresno?
What is the hourly rate difference between San Diego and Fresno?
Should I relocate from San Diego to Fresno as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in San Diego vs Fresno?
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