Salem vs The Dalles: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Salem, OR and The Dalles, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | The Dalles, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,324▲ | $48,528 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.67▲ | $23.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,699▲ | $40,235 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,212 | $44,382▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,281 | $61,430▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,268 | $75,218▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to The Dalles.
The salary gap between Salem and The Dalles is $2,796 (5.76%). Salem's median is +13.24% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $31,569,The Dalles spans $34,983. The Dalles 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, Salem ($49,517 effective) pays 4.69% more than The Dalles ($47,298 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,324/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,517)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose The Dalles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,218)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Salem grew -14.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -11.0% growth in The Dalles over the same period.
Salem, OR
$58,740 (2021) → $50,116 (2025)
The Dalles, OR
$53,250 (2024) → $47,386 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
The Dalles, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Salem or The Dalles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and The Dalles?
Should I relocate from Salem to The Dalles as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Salem vs The Dalles?
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