Chesapeake vs Richmond: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Chesapeake, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chesapeake, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,123 | $44,610▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.29 | $21.44▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,859 | $33,570▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,563▲ | $35,246 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,358 | $67,645▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,191 | $69,321▲ |
| Total Employed | 63 | 820▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chesapeake.
The salary gap between Chesapeake and Richmond is $4,487 (11.18%). Richmond's median is -1.57% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chesapeake spans $34,332,Richmond spans $35,751. Richmond 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, Richmond ($45,586 effective) pays 17.25% more than Chesapeake ($38,879 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chesapeake if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,610/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,321)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,586)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Chesapeake grew -16.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Chesapeake, VA
$46,952 (2024) → $39,179 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$37,440 (2021) → $43,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chesapeake, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Chesapeake or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chesapeake and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Chesapeake to Richmond as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Chesapeake vs Richmond?
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