Bellevue vs Grand Island: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Bellevue, NE and Grand Island, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellevue, NE | Grand Island, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,695 | $42,030▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.04 | $20.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,189 | $33,147▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,549▲ | $35,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,644▲ | $47,566 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $59,411▲ | $58,906 |
| Total Employed | 15▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Bellevue and Grand Island are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bellevue and Grand Island is $335 (0.80%). Grand Island's median is -10.68% 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,Grand Island spans $25,759. 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, Grand Island ($45,934 effective) pays 0.80% more than Bellevue ($45,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellevue if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,411)
- ✓Larger job market (15 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,030/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,934)
- ✓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 Grand Island over the same period.
Bellevue, NE
$30,125 (2024) → $39,402 (2025)
Grand Island, NE
$30,366 (2024) → $39,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellevue, NE
Grand Island, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Bellevue or Grand Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellevue and Grand Island?
Should I relocate from Bellevue to Grand Island as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Bellevue vs Grand Island?
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