Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay in Merced, CA: $22.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dialysis technician working in Merced, CA runs $22.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2099). Weighted against Merced's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.3, 2% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.18 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,424 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Merced, California, the projected median hourly pay for dialysis technicians is set at $22.78, which is notably higher than the national median of $21.79. This rate is especially relevant for part-time technicians working three days a week, as it makes for a competitive income when factoring in the typical work environments such as outpatient dialysis clinics and home training programs. Entry-level technicians can expect to start at about $17.89 per hour, while the most experienced practitioners may command up to $32.45 per hour. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected for 2026, reflect the current demand for skilled technicians in a field continually evolving due to advancements in treatment options and employer competition.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.89 | $143.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.52 | $172.13 |
| Median (P50) | $22.78 | $182.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $25.73 | $205.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.45 | $259.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Merced
Based on $22.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.78/hr, a dialysis technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Merced, CA can expect to earn approximately $47,374 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,331. With a cost-of-living index of 98.28 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Merced.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Merced
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $911.04 | $3,948 | $47,374 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $546.62 | $2,369 | $28,424 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.42 | $1,579 | $18,950 |
Compare DT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dialysis Technician (Merced) | $22.78 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.62 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (National Avg) | $29.71 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.69 |
Dialysis Technicians in Merced, CA earn a median of $47,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.53% higher than the national median of $45,322 and 10.40% below the California state average of $52,876.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.78/hr = $28,424/year (purchasing power: $28,923).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,374/year (purchasing power: $48,206).
CoL index: 98.275 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$22.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.78/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+4.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dialysis Technicians in Merced (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.41% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $22.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dialysis technicians in Merced grew -0.4% from $22.32/hr (2021) to $22.24/hr (2025). At a 2.41% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.32/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem dialysis technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Merced metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.41% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Dialysis Technician in Merced
Examining the financial landscape further, a dialysis technician working part-time at 24 hours per week could realistically expect to earn around $28,217 annually, in contrast to the higher earnings potential of full-time employment. For those seeking flexibility, per diem roles are a lucrative alternative; per diem dialysis technicians typically bill between $25 and $38 per hour, while specialized home dialysis trainers can earn between $30 and $45 per hour. It's essential to consider employer types in Merced, as outpatient dialysis chains like Fresenius and DaVita dominate the market and commonly influence wage standards. Although some technicians may opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits and job security, others capitalize on higher rates associated with travel contracts and agency roles. When negotiating, technicians should emphasize their certifications from recognized bodies like NNCC and BONENT, potentially enhancing their bargaining position within Merced’s competitive market.
More salary data for Merced, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.41% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for dialysis technicians in Merced. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.41%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for dialysis technicians (SOC 29-2099).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov