Dialysis Technician Salary

Champaign vs Chicago: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)

Compare dialysis technician salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Champaign, IL
$44,529
$21.41/hr
Chicago, IL
$45,276
$21.76/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChampaign, ILChicago, IL
Median Salary$44,529$45,276
Hourly Rate$21.41$21.76
Entry Level (P10)$33,840$39,779
25th Percentile$34,507$42,276
75th Percentile$53,468$58,804
Top Earner (P90)$83,262$72,782
Total Employed803,540
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Champaign ($44,529) and Chicago ($45,276) dialysis technician salaries.ChampaignChicagoMedian Salary$44,529$45,276Entry Level (P10)$33,840$39,779Top Earner (P90)$83,262$72,782US Median $45,322

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.

The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $747 (1.68%). Chicago's median is -0.10% compared to the US national median of $45,322.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $49,422,Chicago spans $33,003. Champaign has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Champaign
P10 (Entry)$33,840
P25$34,507
Median$44,529
P75$53,468
P90 (Top)$83,262
Chicago
P10 (Entry)$39,779
P25$42,276
Median$45,276
P75$58,804
P90 (Top)$72,782

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($48,034 effective) pays 9.90% more than Chicago ($43,705 effective).

Champaign
Nominal: $44,529
CoL Index: 92.704
Adjusted: $48,034
Chicago
Nominal: $45,276
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $43,705

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Champaign if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($83,262)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,034)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,276/year)
  • Larger job market (3,540 employed)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Champaign grew -1.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -3.9% growth in Chicago over the same period.

Champaign, IL

+-1.7%

$44,250 (2021) → $43,481 (2025)

Chicago, IL

+-3.9%

$46,020 (2021) → $44,211 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Champaign or Chicago?

Chicago has a higher median dialysis technician salary at $45,276/year, compared to Champaign at $44,529/year — a difference of $747 (1.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Chicago?

Champaign dialysis technicians earn $21.41/hr while Chicago hygienists earn $21.76/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Champaign to Chicago as a dialysis technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Champaign and Chicago. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Champaign = $48,034, Chicago = $43,705), job availability (80 vs 3,540 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Champaign vs Chicago?

Entry-level (10th percentile) dialysis technicians earn $33,840 in Champaign and $39,779 in Chicago. The Chicago area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Robinson, RNData verified by Amina Patel, BSN

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