Baton Rouge vs Ruston: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Baton Rouge, LA and Ruston, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Baton Rouge, LA | Ruston, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,148▲ | $36,496 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.34▲ | $17.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,905▲ | $29,816 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,820 | $31,863▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,540▲ | $40,216 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,190▲ | $48,531 |
| Total Employed | 430▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Baton Rouge, LA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ruston.
The salary gap between Baton Rouge and Ruston is $1,652 (4.53%). Baton Rouge's median is -18.93% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Baton Rouge spans $36,285,Ruston spans $18,715. Baton Rouge 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, Baton Rouge ($42,022 effective) pays 3.97% more than Ruston ($40,416 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Baton Rouge if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,148/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,190)
- ✓Larger job market (430 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,022)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Ruston if…
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Baton Rouge grew 17.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 24.1% growth in Ruston over the same period.
Baton Rouge, LA
$30,730 (2021) → $36,050 (2025)
Ruston, LA
$27,787 (2024) → $34,489 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Baton Rouge, LA
Ruston, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Baton Rouge or Ruston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Baton Rouge and Ruston?
Should I relocate from Baton Rouge to Ruston as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Baton Rouge vs Ruston?
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