Chicago vs DeKalb: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Chicago, IL and DeKalb, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | DeKalb, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,276▲ | $42,467 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.76▲ | $20.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,779▲ | $34,591 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,276▲ | $38,549 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,804▲ | $52,372 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,782▲ | $65,824 |
| Total Employed | 3,540▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to DeKalb.
The salary gap between Chicago and DeKalb is $2,809 (6.61%). 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,DeKalb spans $31,233. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, DeKalb ($43,735 effective) pays 0.07% more than Chicago ($43,705 effective).
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 DeKalb if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,735)
- ✓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 DeKalb over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$46,020 (2021) → $44,211 (2025)
DeKalb, IL
$42,981 (2024) → $41,468 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
DeKalb, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Chicago or DeKalb?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and DeKalb?
Should I relocate from Chicago to DeKalb as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Chicago vs DeKalb?
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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