Surprise vs Tucson: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Surprise, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Surprise, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,615 | $101,688▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.89 | $48.89▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,954 | $80,796▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,197 | $88,047▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,980▲ | $111,782 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,359▲ | $122,831 |
| Total Employed | 31 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Tucson, AZ offers better overall compensation for diagnostic medical sonographers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Surprise and Tucson is $2,073 (2.08%). Tucson's median is +0.33% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Surprise spans $65,405,Tucson spans $42,035. Surprise 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, Tucson ($104,946 effective) pays 3.77% more than Surprise ($101,132 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,359)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,688/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,946)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Surprise grew 5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.1% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Surprise, AZ
$90,424 (2024) → $94,935 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$77,490 (2019) → $96,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Surprise or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Surprise and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Surprise to Tucson as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Surprise vs Tucson?
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