Appleton vs Madison: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Appleton, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Appleton, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,504 | $58,200▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.76 | $27.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,609 | $43,204▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,267 | $45,096▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,678 | $85,416▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,574 | $114,868▲ |
| Total Employed | 90 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Appleton.
The salary gap between Appleton and Madison is $6,696 (13.00%). Madison's median is +28.41% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Appleton spans $30,965,Madison spans $71,664. Madison has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Madison ($59,823 effective) pays 7.35% more than Appleton ($55,729 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Appleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,200/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,868)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,823)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Appleton grew 30.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 21.1% growth in Madison over the same period.
Appleton, WI
$38,690 (2021) → $50,292 (2025)
Madison, WI
$46,910 (2021) → $56,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Appleton or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between Appleton and Madison?
Should I relocate from Appleton to Madison as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Appleton vs Madison?
Related Comparisons
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