Albuquerque vs Los Alamos: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Albuquerque, NM and Los Alamos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albuquerque, NM | Los Alamos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,614▲ | $40,944 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.49▲ | $19.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,667▲ | $33,795 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,709▲ | $36,127 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,513▲ | $45,475 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,444 | $55,024▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albuquerque, NM offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Alamos.
The salary gap between Albuquerque and Los Alamos is $1,670 (4.08%). Albuquerque's median is -9.44% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albuquerque spans $19,777,Los Alamos spans $21,229. Los Alamos 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, Albuquerque ($44,601 effective) pays 2.83% more than Los Alamos ($43,373 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albuquerque if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,614/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,601)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Los Alamos if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,024)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Albuquerque grew 9.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Los Alamos over the same period.
Albuquerque, NM
$36,630 (2021) → $40,270 (2025)
Los Alamos, NM
$29,583 (2024) → $38,692 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albuquerque, NM
Los Alamos, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Albuquerque or Los Alamos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albuquerque and Los Alamos?
Should I relocate from Albuquerque to Los Alamos as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Albuquerque vs Los Alamos?
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