Bellevue vs Columbus: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Bellevue, NE and Columbus, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Columbus, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,695▲ | $40,207 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.04▲ | $19.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,189 | $34,243▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,549 | $36,118▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,644▲ | $42,980 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,411▲ | $54,911 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bellevue, NE offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Columbus is $1,488 (3.70%). Bellevue's median is -11.40% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellevue spans $27,222,Columbus spans $20,668. Bellevue 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, Bellevue ($45,568 effective) pays 3.70% more than Columbus ($43,942 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,695/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,411)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,568)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Bellevue grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$30,125 (2024) → $39,402 (2025)
Columbus, NE
$29,050 (2024) → $37,996 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Columbus, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Bellevue or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Columbus as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Bellevue vs Columbus?
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