Athens vs Macon: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Athens, GA and Macon, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Macon, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,677 | $48,444▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.56 | $23.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,730 | $38,910▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,069 | $39,661▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,423 | $48,984▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,677▲ | $49,947 |
| Total Employed | 170 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Macon, GA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Macon is $7,767 (19.09%). Macon's median is +2.95% 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,Macon spans $11,037. Athens 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, Macon ($54,722 effective) pays 25.57% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,677)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Macon if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,444/year)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,722)
- ✓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 95.2% growth in Macon over the same period.
Athens, GA
$29,210 (2021) → $38,440 (2025)
Macon, GA
$23,450 (2021) → $45,780 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Athens or Macon?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Macon?
Should I relocate from Athens to Macon as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Athens vs Macon?
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