Albany vs Valley Stream: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Albany, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Valley Stream, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,688▲ | $44,364 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.44▲ | $21.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,016▲ | $33,295 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,249▲ | $39,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,905 | $50,150▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,762 | $61,681▲ |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Albany, NY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Valley Stream.
The salary gap between Albany and Valley Stream is $2,324 (5.24%). 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,Valley Stream spans $28,386. Valley Stream 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 22.50% more than Valley Stream ($38,278 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 Valley Stream if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,681)
- ✓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 Valley Stream over the same period.
Albany, NY
$34,000 (2021) → $44,120 (2025)
Valley Stream, NY
$51,746 (2024) → $41,924 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Albany or Valley Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Valley Stream?
Should I relocate from Albany to Valley Stream as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Albany vs Valley Stream?
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