Dialysis Technician Salary in Salem, VA: $39,588 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time dialysis technician in Salem, VA earns a median $39,588/year (≈ $19.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2099). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $38,360 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as a dialysis technician in Salem, Virginia, the 2026 projected median salary is expected to be $39,588. This is notably below the national average of $45,322, indicating a regional variance in compensation. The salary range for local technicians spans from $29,430 at the lower end (P10) to $61,361 at the higher end (P90), based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for local cost of living factors. The presence of specialized roles, such as home dialysis trainers, can contribute to higher compensation within this field, reflecting broader shifts in patient care dynamics and the increasing emphasis on at-home treatment options.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,430 | $14.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,305 | $17.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $39,588 | $19.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49,203 | $23.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61,361 | $29.50 |
Median Salary Position
12.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the dialysis technician salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,931 (2026 est.). At $39,588, the local median is 12.65% below the national median of $45,322.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Dialysis Technician Pay Compares
Salem median: $39,588/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $40,812 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $45,322 | -12.65% less |
Dialysis Technicians in Salem, VA earn a median of $39,588 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.65% lower than the national median of $45,322 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $40,812.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $39,588 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $38,360 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2021 BLS Actual
$35,143
2025 BLS Actual
$38,656
2026 Current Est.
$39,588
2021–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Dialysis Technicians in Salem (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.41% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $35,143 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,582 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,488 | Actual |
| 2024 | $44,026 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,588 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40,542 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median dialysis technician salary grew 10.0% from $35,143 (2021) to $38,656 (2025). At a 2.41% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $40,542 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,399 (15.36%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,430 – $36,305 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,305 – $39,588 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $39,588 – $49,203 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $49,203 – $61,361 |
DT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual dialysis technician compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Dialysis Technician Job Market in Salem
The job market in Salem currently employs six dialysis technicians, a relatively modest number that highlights the competitive nature of this field. With a cost-of-living index of 103.2, technicians may find that their take-home pay is somewhat reduced when accounting for local expenses. Key employers include outpatient dialysis providers like Fresenius and DaVita, which together dominate the local market, as well as hospital-based units and specialized home dialysis training programs. The disparity in earnings can often be attributed to various factors, including shift differentials, charge lead roles, and additional require cross-training. For those looking to maximize their earnings potential in Salem, establishing a niche in home dialysis training or seeking positions with higher-tier employers that offer comprehensive pay scales could be advantageous.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do dialysis technicians make in Salem, VA in 2026?
Is Salem, VA a good place to work as a dialysis technician?
Can dialysis technicians make $100K in Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted dialysis technician salary in Salem?
How much does a dialysis technician make per hour in Salem?
Related Pages
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $38,656 for dialysis techniciansin the Salem metropolitan area. A 2.41% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Salem 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