Albany vs Cortland: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Albany, NY and Cortland, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Cortland, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,688▲ | $42,088 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.44▲ | $20.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,016▲ | $34,854 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,249▲ | $37,087 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,905▲ | $46,698 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,762 | $55,042▲ |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Albany and Cortland is $4,600 (10.93%). 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,Cortland spans $20,188. Cortland 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 29.13% more than Cortland ($36,314 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 Cortland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,042)
- ✓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 -19.0% growth in Cortland over the same period.
Albany, NY
$34,000 (2021) → $44,120 (2025)
Cortland, NY
$49,091 (2024) → $39,773 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Cortland, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Albany or Cortland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Cortland?
Should I relocate from Albany to Cortland as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Albany vs Cortland?
Related Comparisons
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