Tampa vs Palm Bay: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Salary (2026)
Compare diagnostic medical sonographer salaries between Tampa, FL and Palm Bay, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | Palm Bay, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,169 | $87,029▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.43 | $41.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,274 | $71,971▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,709 | $83,178▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $100,166 | $100,376▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,074▲ | $100,376 |
| Total Employed | 1,090▲ | 320 |
Verdict
Tampa and Palm Bay are closely matched on overall diagnostic medical sonographer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tampa and Palm Bay is $860 (1.00%). Palm Bay's median is -14.13% compared to the US national median of $101,352.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $39,800,Palm Bay spans $28,405. Tampa 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, Palm Bay ($87,025 effective) pays 1.89% more than Tampa ($85,409 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,074)
- ✓Larger job market (1,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Palm Bay if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,029/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,025)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, diagnostic medical sonographer salaries in Tampa grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in Palm Bay over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$70,180 (2019) → $82,120 (2025)
Palm Bay, FL
$71,050 (2019) → $82,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palm Bay, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays diagnostic medical sonographers more: Tampa or Palm Bay?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and Palm Bay?
Should I relocate from Tampa to Palm Bay as a diagnostic medical sonographer?
What do entry-level diagnostic medical sonographers earn in Tampa vs Palm Bay?
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