Aiken vs Charleston: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,195 | $40,410▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.84 | $19.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,648 | $32,885▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,635 | $37,554▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $49,738▲ | $43,727 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,753▲ | $53,135 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,060▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $1,215 (3.10%). Charleston's median is -10.84% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $30,105,Charleston spans $20,250. Aiken 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, Aiken ($42,836 effective) pays 7.02% more than Charleston ($40,025 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,753)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,836)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,410/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Aiken grew 5.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.4% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$36,293 (2024) → $38,273 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$40,010 (2021) → $39,459 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Aiken or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Aiken to Charleston as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Aiken vs Charleston?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov