Bear vs Smyrna: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Bear, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bear, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,808▲ | $40,417 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.10▲ | $19.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,535▲ | $33,526 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,384▲ | $36,944 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,265▲ | $50,316 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,802▲ | $62,646 |
| Total Employed | 6▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Bear, DE offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Bear and Smyrna is $1,391 (3.44%). Bear's median is -7.75% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bear spans $31,267,Smyrna spans $29,120. Bear 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, Bear ($41,109 effective) pays 3.44% more than Smyrna ($39,741 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bear if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,808/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,802)
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,109)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Bear grew -8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Bear, DE
$44,832 (2024) → $40,824 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$43,340 (2024) → $39,466 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Bear or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bear and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Bear to Smyrna as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Bear vs Smyrna?
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