Athens vs Augusta: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Athens, GA and Augusta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Augusta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,677 | $47,682▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.56 | $22.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,730 | $38,709▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,069 | $40,042▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,423 | $50,720▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,677 | $56,275▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 350▲ |
Verdict
Augusta, GA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Augusta is $7,005 (17.22%). Augusta's median is +1.33% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $13,947,Augusta spans $17,566. Augusta 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, Augusta ($51,883 effective) pays 19.06% more than Athens ($43,578 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,682/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,275)
- ✓Larger job market (350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,883)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Athens grew 31.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 54.8% growth in Augusta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$29,210 (2021) → $38,440 (2025)
Augusta, GA
$29,110 (2021) → $45,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Augusta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Athens or Augusta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Augusta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Augusta as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Athens vs Augusta?
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