Knoxville vs Smyrna: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,491 | $43,214▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.95 | $20.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,291▲ | $32,688 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,580 | $37,542▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,603 | $55,314▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,402▲ | $66,981 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Knoxville and Smyrna are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $1,723 (4.15%). Smyrna's median is -4.65% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $61,111,Smyrna spans $34,293. Knoxville 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, Smyrna ($47,074 effective) pays 5.03% more than Knoxville ($44,822 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,402)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,214/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,074)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Knoxville grew -14.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$47,110 (2021) → $40,515 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$37,116 (2024) → $42,197 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Knoxville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Smyrna as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Knoxville vs Smyrna?
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