Merced vs Riverside: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Merced, CA and Riverside, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merced, CA | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,377 | $51,395▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.78 | $24.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,211 | $41,257▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,754▲ | $44,339 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,496 | $56,749▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,500 | $70,636▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 2,450▲ |
Verdict
Riverside, CA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merced.
The salary gap between Merced and Riverside is $4,018 (8.48%). Riverside's median is +13.40% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merced spans $30,289,Riverside spans $29,379. Merced 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, Riverside ($48,285 effective) pays 0.16% more than Merced ($48,209 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merced if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,395/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,636)
- ✓Larger job market (2,450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,285)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Merced grew -0.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 7.2% growth in Riverside over the same period.
Merced, CA
$46,420 (2021) → $46,262 (2025)
Riverside, CA
$46,800 (2021) → $50,186 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merced, CA
Riverside, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Merced or Riverside?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merced and Riverside?
Should I relocate from Merced to Riverside as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Merced vs Riverside?
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