Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay in Altoona, PA: $17.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dialysis technician working in Altoona, PA runs $17.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $36,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2099). Weighted against Altoona's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.5, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $19.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $22,098 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Altoona, Pennsylvania, the dialysis technician hourly pay is projected to be $17.71 in 2026, which falls significantly below the national average of $21.79 per hour. This wage reflects the local market conditions, particularly within outpatient dialysis clinics where many professionals find employment. Part-time workers, often operating three days a week, may take home a tangible paycheck that aligns with this hourly rate, allowing for average earnings while maintaining flexibility. As technicians gain experience, the hourly pay can increase, with entry-level positions starting at $15.60 and top earners potentially reaching $25.57 per hour, showcasing a clear progression in the field for those dedicated to advancing their careers.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.60 | $124.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.76 | $134.12 |
| Median (P50) | $17.71 | $141.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.59 | $172.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.57 | $204.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Altoona
Based on $17.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.71/hr, a dialysis technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Altoona, PA can expect to earn approximately $36,830 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $21,248. With a cost-of-living index of 89.51 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Altoona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Altoona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $708.27 | $3,069 | $36,830 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $424.96 | $1,841 | $22,098 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $283.31 | $1,228 | $14,732 |
Compare DT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dialysis Technician (Altoona) | $17.71 |
| 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 Altoona, PA earn a median of $36,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.73% lower than the national median of $45,322 and 9.50% below the Pennsylvania state average of $40,699.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.71/hr = $22,098/year (purchasing power: $24,689).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $36,830/year (purchasing power: $41,148).
CoL index: 89.507 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.71/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dialysis Technicians in Altoona (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.41% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.85/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $18.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dialysis technicians in Altoona grew 10.0% from $15.72/hr (2021) to $17.29/hr (2025). At a 2.41% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $18.13/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 Altoona 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 Altoona
When considering the financial landscape of dialysis technicians, part-time technicians working an estimated 24 hours a week could expect an annual income significantly lower than that of their full-time peers, affecting their overall fiscal health. For those choosing per diem opportunities, the pay can vary widely; many technicians in Altoona report billing between $25 and $38 per hour. Home dialysis trainers often command rates between $30 and $45 per hour, representing a lucrative avenue in the sector. The diversity in potential employers—ranging from outpatient dialysis chains like Fresenius and DaVita, which dominate the market, to home-training programs and VA renal services—creates a competitive environment for wages. While accepting lower hourly pay might be a trade-off for jobs with health insurance benefits, technicians must weigh this against the higher hourly rates that come without benefits. For those negotiating their hourly rates in Altoona, emphasizing relevant certifications like those from NNCC, BONENT, or NNCO can be advantageous.
More salary data for Altoona, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dialysis technicians in Altoona in 2026?
How much do part-time dialysis technicians make in Altoona?
Are dialysis technicians in Altoona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time dialysis technician make per year in Altoona?
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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 Altoona. 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, 4-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