Altoona vs Pittsburgh: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Altoona, PA and Pittsburgh, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Altoona, PA | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,296 | $45,757▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.38 | $22.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,130 | $38,180▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,684 | $39,968▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,179 | $50,222▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,263▲ | $53,598 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 2,000▲ |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Altoona.
The salary gap between Altoona and Pittsburgh is $5,461 (13.55%). Pittsburgh's median is -2.76% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Altoona spans $22,133,Pittsburgh spans $15,418. Altoona has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($48,333 effective) pays 16.83% more than Altoona ($41,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Altoona if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,263)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,757/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,333)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Altoona grew 29.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 45.3% growth in Pittsburgh over the same period.
Altoona, PA
$29,360 (2022) → $38,080 (2025)
Pittsburgh, PA
$29,750 (2021) → $43,240 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Altoona, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Altoona or Pittsburgh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Altoona and Pittsburgh?
Should I relocate from Altoona to Pittsburgh as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Altoona vs Pittsburgh?
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