Albany vs Buffalo: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Albany, NY and Buffalo, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Buffalo, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,688▲ | $44,000 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.44▲ | $21.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,016 | $41,344▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,249 | $41,809▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,905▲ | $47,619 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,762 | $54,307▲ |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 520 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Albany and Buffalo is $2,688 (6.11%). Albany's median is -0.79% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $9,746,Buffalo spans $12,963. Buffalo 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, Albany ($46,892 effective) pays 2.14% more than Buffalo ($45,908 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,688/year)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,892)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,307)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Albany grew 29.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 38.6% growth in Buffalo over the same period.
Albany, NY
$34,000 (2021) → $44,120 (2025)
Buffalo, NY
$30,000 (2021) → $41,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Buffalo, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Albany or Buffalo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Buffalo?
Should I relocate from Albany to Buffalo as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Albany vs Buffalo?
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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