Austin vs Rochester: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Austin, MN and Rochester, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, MN | Rochester, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,841 | $52,984▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.08 | $25.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,354 | $38,794▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,816 | $46,720▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,237 | $52,984▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,785 | $59,640▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, MN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Austin.
The salary gap between Austin and Rochester is $9,143 (20.85%). Rochester's median is +12.59% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $25,431,Rochester spans $20,846. Austin 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, Rochester ($58,339 effective) pays 31.07% more than Austin ($44,509 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,984/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,640)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,339)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Austin grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.1% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Austin, MN
$37,266 (2024) → $41,430 (2025)
Rochester, MN
$37,620 (2021) → $50,070 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, MN
Rochester, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Austin or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Austin to Rochester as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Austin vs Rochester?
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