Athens vs Cleveland: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,157 | $47,069▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.83 | $22.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,712 | $39,429▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,984 | $41,111▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,958 | $51,323▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,763 | $61,725▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 970▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $7,912 (20.21%). Cleveland's median is +0.02% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $20,051,Cleveland spans $22,296. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($50,114 effective) pays 16.08% more than Athens ($43,172 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 Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,069/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,725)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,114)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Athens grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 43.3% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$31,979 (2024) → $37,003 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$31,040 (2021) → $44,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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