Bristol vs Virginia Beach: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Bristol, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,510▲ | $39,969 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.44▲ | $19.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,353▲ | $33,579 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,197▲ | $34,210 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,203▲ | $50,603 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,892 | $67,401▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 840▲ |
Verdict
Bristol and Virginia Beach are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bristol and Virginia Beach is $2,541 (6.36%). Bristol's median is -6.20% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $31,539,Virginia Beach spans $33,822. Virginia Beach 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, Bristol ($41,192 effective) pays 0.94% more than Virginia Beach ($40,809 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,510/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,192)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,401)
- ✓Larger job market (840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Bristol grew -4.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$43,665 (2024) → $41,510 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$36,880 (2021) → $39,028 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Bristol or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Virginia Beach as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Bristol vs Virginia Beach?
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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