Richmond vs Salem: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Richmond, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,610▲ | $39,588 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.44▲ | $19.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,570▲ | $29,430 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,246 | $36,305▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $67,645▲ | $49,203 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,321▲ | $61,361 |
| Total Employed | 820▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Richmond and Salem is $5,022 (12.69%). Richmond's median is -1.57% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $35,751,Salem spans $31,931. Richmond 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, Richmond ($45,586 effective) pays 18.84% more than Salem ($38,360 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,610/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,321)
- ✓Larger job market (820 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,586)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Richmond grew 16.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Salem over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$37,440 (2021) → $43,560 (2025)
Salem, VA
$44,026 (2024) → $38,656 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Richmond or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Salem?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Salem as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Richmond vs Salem?
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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