Merrillville vs South Bend: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Merrillville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Merrillville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,527 | $41,230▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.49 | $19.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,582 | $32,822▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,733▲ | $35,588 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,412 | $58,579▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,816 | $103,666▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 130▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Merrillville.
The salary gap between Merrillville and South Bend is $703 (1.73%). South Bend's median is -9.03% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Merrillville spans $31,234,South Bend spans $70,844. South Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, South Bend ($44,401 effective) pays 0.03% more than Merrillville ($44,389 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Merrillville if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,230/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,666)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,401)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Merrillville grew 7.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Merrillville, IN
$36,783 (2024) → $39,573 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$36,970 (2021) → $40,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Merrillville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Merrillville or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Merrillville and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Merrillville to South Bend as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Merrillville vs South Bend?
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