Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $17.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a dialysis technician working in Watertown, SD runs $17.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $35,587 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2099). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $18.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $21,357 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Watertown, South Dakota, the projected dialysis technician hourly pay for 2026 is $17.11, significantly lower than the national average of $21.79. This rate reflects the specific economic conditions and cost of living in the region, where technicians primarily work in outpatient dialysis clinics, home dialysis training settings, and hospital environments. Those entering the field can expect starting hourly wages around $13.83, while experienced technicians can earn as much as $26.52 per hour. This experience-based pay range highlights the potential for growth within the profession, even as regional offers remain competitive. For part-time workers, particularly those on a 3-day workweek, working just 24 hours could yield approximately $410 weekly, providing them a viable income option while maintaining flexibility in their schedules.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($40,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.83 | $110.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $15.37 | $122.97 |
| Median (P50) | $17.11 | $136.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.38 | $171.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.52 | $212.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $17.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $17.11/hr, a dialysis technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $35,594 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $20,535. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $684.51 | $2,966 | $35,594 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $410.71 | $1,780 | $21,357 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $273.80 | $1,186 | $14,238 |
Compare DT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dialysis Technician (Watertown) | $17.11 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $35,587 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.48% lower than the national median of $45,322 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $36,993.
Dialysis Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $17.11/hr = $21,357/year (purchasing power: $23,014).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $35,594/year (purchasing power: $38,356).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$15.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$16.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$17.11/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Dialysis Technicians in Watertown (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.41% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $15.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $16.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $17.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $17.53/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for dialysis technicians in Watertown grew 10.0% from $15.19/hr (2021) to $16.71/hr (2025). At a 2.41% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $17.53/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
When considering the earning potential for part-time and per-diem dialysis technicians in Watertown, it becomes evident that diverse employment settings can significantly influence hourly pay. While part-time technicians might bring home a steady income, per-diem dialysis technician pay in the area ranges from $25 to $38 per hour, often making such positions more lucrative. Moreover, home dialysis trainers can command rates from $30 to $45 per hour, reflecting the shift towards home-based care spurred by the ESRD Treatment Choices model. Technicians working for large chains like Fresenius and DaVita often find their pay structures influenced by these employers, who dominate the outpatient market. However, those who opt for positions with additional benefits in exchange for lower hourly rates must consider what compensations best suit their financial needs. Having a strong grasp of local pay scales can empower dialysis technicians in Watertown to negotiate better hourly rates when entering or advancing in the field.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for dialysis technicians in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time dialysis technicians make in Watertown?
Are dialysis technicians in Watertown paid hourly or salary?
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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 Watertown. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Watertown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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