Charleston vs Columbia: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Charleston, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,410▲ | $39,734 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.43▲ | $19.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,885 | $34,056▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,554▲ | $35,453 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,727 | $44,989▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,135 | $58,894▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,060▲ | 450 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Charleston and Columbia is $676 (1.70%). 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 Charleston spans $20,250,Columbia spans $24,838. Columbia 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, Columbia ($42,423 effective) pays 5.99% 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 Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,410/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,060 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,894)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,423)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Charleston grew -1.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 6.5% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$40,010 (2021) → $39,459 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$36,430 (2021) → $38,799 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Charleston or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Columbia as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Charleston vs Columbia?
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