Ann Arbor vs Sterling Heights: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Sterling Heights, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Sterling Heights, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,455▲ | $42,172 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.38▲ | $20.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,635▲ | $30,946 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,164▲ | $34,736 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,899▲ | $46,854 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,471 | $62,539▲ |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Ann Arbor, MI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sterling Heights.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Sterling Heights is $2,283 (5.41%). Ann Arbor's median is -5.53% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $8,836,Sterling Heights spans $31,593. Sterling Heights 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, Sterling Heights ($45,249 effective) pays 2.68% more than Ann Arbor ($44,067 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,455/year)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Sterling Heights if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,539)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,249)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Ann Arbor grew 4.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Sterling Heights over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$40,410 (2024) → $42,010 (2025)
Sterling Heights, MI
$36,158 (2024) → $39,853 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Sterling Heights, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Ann Arbor or Sterling Heights?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Sterling Heights?
Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Sterling Heights as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Ann Arbor vs Sterling Heights?
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