Cookeville vs Nashville: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Cookeville, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cookeville, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,623 | $53,180▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.53 | $25.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,253 | $36,670▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,257 | $43,943▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,085 | $67,294▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,966 | $105,828▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 370▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cookeville.
The salary gap between Cookeville and Nashville is $12,557 (30.91%). Nashville's median is +17.34% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cookeville spans $30,713,Nashville spans $69,158. Nashville 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, Nashville ($55,201 effective) pays 24.74% more than Cookeville ($44,252 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cookeville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,180/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,828)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,201)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Cookeville grew 13.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.3% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Cookeville, TN
$34,890 (2024) → $39,667 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$50,260 (2021) → $51,929 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cookeville, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Cookeville or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cookeville and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Cookeville to Nashville as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Cookeville vs Nashville?
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