Houston vs San Marcos: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,610 | $44,885▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.44 | $21.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,192▲ | $33,936 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,680▲ | $39,120 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,218▲ | $56,906 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,433▲ | $69,572 |
| Total Employed | 4,010▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Houston and San Marcos are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $275 (0.62%). San Marcos's median is -0.96% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $45,241,San Marcos spans $35,636. Houston 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, San Marcos ($46,755 effective) pays 3.37% more than Houston ($45,230 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,433)
- ✓Larger job market (4,010 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,885/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,755)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Houston grew -0.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 2.4% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$43,850 (2021) → $43,560 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$42,793 (2024) → $43,829 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Houston or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Houston vs San Marcos?
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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