Arlington vs Springfield: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Arlington, MA and Springfield, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, MA | Springfield, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,534 | $48,254▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.86 | $23.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,049 | $42,085▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,422 | $45,809▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,790 | $53,016▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,858▲ | $57,958 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Springfield is $720 (1.51%). Springfield's median is +2.54% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $25,809,Springfield spans $15,873. Arlington 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, Springfield ($50,233 effective) pays 14.66% more than Arlington ($43,810 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,858)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,254/year)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,233)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Arlington grew -12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.4% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Arlington, MA
$51,304 (2024) → $44,920 (2025)
Springfield, MA
$36,350 (2021) → $45,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, MA
Springfield, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Arlington or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Springfield as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Arlington vs Springfield?
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