Durham vs Wake Forest: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Durham, NC and Wake Forest, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Durham, NC | Wake Forest, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,215▲ | $40,640 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.66▲ | $19.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,031▲ | $32,360 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,186▲ | $35,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,295▲ | $52,020 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,417▲ | $62,992 |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wake Forest.
The salary gap between Durham and Wake Forest is $8,575 (21.10%). 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,Wake Forest spans $30,632. 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 16.17% more than Wake Forest ($43,419 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 Wake Forest 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 2.4% growth in Wake Forest over the same period.
Durham, NC
$45,260 (2021) → $48,057 (2025)
Wake Forest, NC
$38,759 (2024) → $39,684 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Durham, NC
Wake Forest, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Durham or Wake Forest?
What is the hourly rate difference between Durham and Wake Forest?
Should I relocate from Durham to Wake Forest as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Durham vs Wake Forest?
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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