Objective To investigate the distribution of cell membrane tension in a gradient fluid shear stress (FSS) field. Methods A gradient plate flow chamber model was constructed. Fluid-solid coupling numerical simulations were conducted to analyze the distribution of membrane tension with different FSS gradients and FSS amplitudes under varying hydrostatic pressures. Results With an increase in the flow rate at the inlet of the flow chamber, the FSS gradient exhibited a proportionally positive increase. Under the gradient FSS field, the cell membrane tension initially decreased and then increased from the bottom to the top of the cell. Under normal blood pressure, higher hydrostatic pressure was correlated with increased membrane tension. Larger FSS amplitudes resulted in higher membrane tension. When the FSS amplitude was constant, the average difference in membrane tension between the high- and low-FSS regions increased with the FSS gradient. Similarly, with a constant FSS gradient, the average difference in membrane tension between the high- and low-FSS regions increased with the FSS amplitude. Conclusions Local variation in cell membrane tension induced by gradient FSS was a crucial factor influencing the directional migration of osteoclast precursors in a gradient FSS field.