Cornelius vs Durham: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Cornelius, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cornelius, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,677 | $49,215▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.56 | $23.66▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,434 | $38,031▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,273 | $42,186▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,503 | $72,295▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,050 | $86,417▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 670▲ |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cornelius.
The salary gap between Cornelius and Durham is $8,538 (20.99%). Durham's median is +8.59% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cornelius spans $29,616,Durham spans $48,386. Durham 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, Durham ($50,440 effective) pays 16.06% more than Cornelius ($43,458 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cornelius if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,215/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,417)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,440)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Cornelius grew 2.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 6.2% growth in Durham over the same period.
Cornelius, NC
$38,793 (2024) → $39,720 (2025)
Durham, NC
$45,260 (2021) → $48,057 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cornelius, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Cornelius or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cornelius and Durham?
Should I relocate from Cornelius to Durham as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Cornelius vs Durham?
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