Durham vs Hickory: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Durham, NC and Hickory, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Hickory, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,215▲ | $40,528 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.66▲ | $19.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,031▲ | $33,714 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,186▲ | $34,967 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,295▲ | $51,260 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,417▲ | $68,176 |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Durham and Hickory is $8,687 (21.43%). 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 Durham spans $48,386,Hickory spans $34,462. Durham 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, Durham ($50,440 effective) pays 10.13% more than Hickory ($45,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Durham grew 6.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 7.7% growth in Hickory over the same period.
Durham, NC
$45,260 (2021) → $48,057 (2025)
Hickory, NC
$36,750 (2021) → $39,574 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Hickory, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Durham or Hickory?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Hickory?
Should I relocate from Durham to Hickory as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Durham vs Hickory?
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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