Nashville vs Oak Ridge: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Nashville, TN and Oak Ridge, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Oak Ridge, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,180▲ | $41,946 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.57▲ | $20.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,670▲ | $31,875 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,943▲ | $36,514 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,294▲ | $52,693 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,828▲ | $65,016 |
| Total Employed | 370▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Oak Ridge.
The salary gap between Nashville and Oak Ridge is $11,234 (26.78%). Nashville's median is +17.34% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $69,158,Oak Ridge spans $33,141. Nashville 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, Nashville ($55,201 effective) pays 20.81% more than Oak Ridge ($45,693 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,180/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,828)
- ✓Larger job market (370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,201)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Oak Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Nashville grew 3.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Oak Ridge over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$50,260 (2021) → $51,929 (2025)
Oak Ridge, TN
$36,027 (2024) → $40,959 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Oak Ridge, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Nashville or Oak Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Oak Ridge?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Oak Ridge as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Nashville vs Oak Ridge?
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