Allentown vs Wilkes-Barre: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Allentown, PA and Wilkes-Barre, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Allentown, PA | Wilkes-Barre, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,386▲ | $41,206 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.86▲ | $19.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,249▲ | $31,872 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,439▲ | $34,989 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,841▲ | $45,712 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,640 | $55,866▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Allentown, PA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilkes-Barre.
The salary gap between Allentown and Wilkes-Barre is $2,180 (5.29%). Allentown's median is -7.80% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Allentown spans $14,391,Wilkes-Barre spans $23,994. Wilkes-Barre 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, Allentown ($43,400 effective) pays 2.59% more than Wilkes-Barre ($42,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Allentown if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,386/year)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,400)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Wilkes-Barre if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,866)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Allentown grew 19.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.6% growth in Wilkes-Barre over the same period.
Allentown, PA
$34,370 (2021) → $41,000 (2025)
Wilkes-Barre, PA
$38,340 (2024) → $38,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Allentown, PA
Wilkes-Barre, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Allentown or Wilkes-Barre?
What is the hourly rate difference between Allentown and Wilkes-Barre?
Should I relocate from Allentown to Wilkes-Barre as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Allentown vs Wilkes-Barre?
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