Dialysis Technician Salary

Chicago vs Aurora: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)

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

Chicago, IL
$45,276
$21.76/hr
Aurora, IL
$43,581
$20.95/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILAurora, IL
Median Salary$45,276$43,581
Hourly Rate$21.76$20.95
Entry Level (P10)$39,779$32,779
25th Percentile$42,276$36,892
75th Percentile$58,804$55,783
Top Earner (P90)$72,782$67,550
Total Employed3,54044
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($45,276) and Aurora ($43,581) dialysis technician salaries.ChicagoAuroraMedian Salary$45,276$43,581Entry Level (P10)$39,779$32,779Top Earner (P90)$72,782$67,550US Median $45,322

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Chicago and Aurora is $1,695 (3.89%). 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 Chicago spans $33,003,Aurora spans $34,771. Aurora has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$39,779
P25$42,276
Median$45,276
P75$58,804
P90 (Top)$72,782
Aurora
P10 (Entry)$32,779
P25$36,892
Median$43,581
P75$55,783
P90 (Top)$67,550

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Aurora ($44,883 effective) pays 2.69% more than Chicago ($43,705 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $45,276
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $43,705
Aurora
Nominal: $43,581
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $44,883

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($45,276/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($72,782)
  • Larger job market (3,540 employed)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Aurora if…

  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,883)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Chicago grew -3.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -3.5% growth in Aurora over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+-3.9%

$46,020 (2021) → $44,211 (2025)

Aurora, IL

+-3.5%

$44,108 (2024) → $42,555 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Chicago or Aurora?

Chicago has a higher median dialysis technician salary at $45,276/year, compared to Aurora at $43,581/year — a difference of $1,695 (3.89%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Aurora?

Chicago dialysis technicians earn $21.76/hr while Aurora hygienists earn $20.95/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Aurora. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $43,705, Aurora = $44,883), job availability (3,540 vs 44 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) dialysis technicians earn $39,779 in Chicago and $32,779 in Aurora. 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