Amherst vs Worcester: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Amherst, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Amherst, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,816 | $53,503▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.98 | $25.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,303 | $41,196▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,861 | $49,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,411 | $53,503▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,787▲ | $60,360 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Amherst.
The salary gap between Amherst and Worcester is $5,687 (11.89%). Worcester's median is +13.70% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Amherst spans $27,484,Worcester spans $19,164. Amherst 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, Worcester ($52,186 effective) pays 18.42% more than Amherst ($44,070 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Amherst if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,787)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,503/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,186)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Amherst grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 39.1% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Amherst, MA
$51,607 (2024) → $45,186 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$36,350 (2021) → $50,560 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Amherst, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Amherst or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Amherst and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Amherst to Worcester as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Amherst vs Worcester?
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