Surprise vs Tucson: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Surprise, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Surprise, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,137▲ | $44,088 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.18▲ | $21.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,443▲ | $33,606 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,617▲ | $36,174 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,055▲ | $57,569 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,512 | $84,695▲ |
| Total Employed | 31 | 510▲ |
Verdict
Surprise and Tucson are closely matched on overall dialysis technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Surprise and Tucson is $2,049 (4.65%). Surprise's median is +1.80% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Surprise spans $36,069,Tucson spans $51,089. Tucson 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, Surprise ($46,840 effective) pays 2.94% more than Tucson ($45,500 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,137/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,840)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,695)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Surprise grew -0.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.7% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Surprise, AZ
$45,212 (2024) → $45,051 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$37,850 (2021) → $43,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Surprise, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Surprise or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Surprise and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Surprise to Tucson as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Surprise vs Tucson?
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