Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay in Santa Cruz, CA: $26.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dialysis technician working in Santa Cruz, CA runs $26.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2099). Weighted against Santa Cruz's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.9, 10% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,719 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Santa Cruz, California, the dialysis technician hourly pay is projected to reach $26.22 by 2026, substantially higher than the national hourly median of $21.79. This wage reflects the area's demand for skilled technicians working in various settings, including outpatient dialysis clinics, hospital inpatient units, and home dialysis training programs. For part-time workers—such as those on a three-day-per-week schedule—this rate can lead to competitive earnings, allowing them to make a living while maintaining flexibility. For entry-level technicians, the hourly rate begins at approximately $19.62, while top earners can make as much as $43.91 per hour, according to the official BLS data. This salary range highlights the opportunities available within the sector, providing a pathway for growth as technicians gain experience and certifications.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.62 | $156.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.30 | $162.38 |
| Median (P50) | $26.22 | $209.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.74 | $285.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.91 | $351.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Santa Cruz
Based on $26.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.22/hr, a dialysis technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Santa Cruz, CA can expect to earn approximately $54,531 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,460. With a cost-of-living index of 109.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Santa Cruz.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Santa Cruz
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,048.68 | $4,544 | $54,531 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $629.21 | $2,727 | $32,719 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $419.47 | $1,818 | $21,813 |
Compare DT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dialysis Technician (Santa Cruz) | $26.22 |
| 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 Santa Cruz, CA earn a median of $54,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.32% higher than the national median of $45,322 and 3.20% above the California state average of $52,841.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.22/hr = $32,719/year (purchasing power: $29,772).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,531/year (purchasing power: $49,621).
CoL index: 109.896 (100 = national average).
2021 BLS Actual
$29.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.60/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.22/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+-7.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dialysis Technicians in Santa Cruz (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.41% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.15/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.60/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dialysis technicians in Santa Cruz grew -11.9% from $29.07/hr (2021) to $25.60/hr (2025). At a 2.41% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.85/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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz
When considering part-time work, a dialysis technician in Santa Cruz can expect to take home a significant amount based on their hours; someone working 24 hours over three days a week would realistically earn over $40,000 annually. Per diem dialysis technician pay in Santa Cruz typically ranges from $25 to $38 per hour, with specialized home dialysis trainers commonly earning between $30 and $45 per hour within chain employment. Travel contracts do exist, with some offering between $1,200 and $1,800 per week, but many technicians prefer consistent roles in local facilities. Hourly wages vary greatly depending on the employer type, with chains like Fresenius and DaVita dominating the market and often offering slightly higher rates in exchange for predictable schedules and benefits. Therefore, negotiating for better pay and considering positions with comprehensive health insurance can sometimes lead to trade-offs that technicians must evaluate based on their financial goals and personal needs.
More salary data for Santa Cruz, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dialysis technicians in Santa Cruz in 2026?
How much do part-time dialysis technicians make in Santa Cruz?
Are dialysis technicians in Santa Cruz paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dialysis technician make per year in Santa Cruz?
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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 Santa Cruz. 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