Columbia vs Knoxville: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,664▲ | $41,491 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.03▲ | $19.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,370 | $34,291▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,923▲ | $34,580 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,331▲ | $51,603 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,580 | $95,402▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Columbia and Knoxville are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $173 (0.42%). Columbia's median is -8.07% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $33,210,Knoxville spans $61,111. Knoxville 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 ($45,386 effective) pays 1.26% more than Knoxville ($44,822 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,664/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,386)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,402)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Columbia grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -14.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$35,785 (2024) → $40,684 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$47,110 (2021) → $40,515 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Columbia or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Knoxville as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Columbia vs Knoxville?
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