Alabaster vs Birmingham: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Alabaster, AL and Birmingham, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Alabaster, AL | Birmingham, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,891 | $41,185▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.70 | $19.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,288 | $32,540▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,653▲ | $34,095 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,426 | $51,312▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,946 | $60,656▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 420▲ |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Alabaster.
The salary gap between Alabaster and Birmingham is $2,294 (5.90%). Birmingham's median is -12.48% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Alabaster spans $21,658,Birmingham spans $28,116. Birmingham has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced emergency medical technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Birmingham ($44,940 effective) pays 1.57% more than Alabaster ($44,245 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Alabaster if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,656)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,940)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Alabaster grew 34.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.0% growth in Birmingham over the same period.
Alabaster, AL
$27,255 (2024) → $36,752 (2025)
Birmingham, AL
$29,260 (2021) → $38,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Alabaster, AL
Birmingham, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Alabaster or Birmingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Alabaster and Birmingham?
Should I relocate from Alabaster to Birmingham as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Alabaster vs Birmingham?
Written by Aisha Patel, EMT-P
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as an emergency medical technician. She specializes in pre-hospital care and triage. Aisha works primarily in urban emergency services.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, EMT-P, a licensed emergency medical technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov