Belton vs St. Louis: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Belton, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Belton, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,809 | $44,349▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.62 | $21.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,145 | $37,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,760 | $39,196▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,213 | $49,979▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,849 | $62,910▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,550▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Belton.
The salary gap between Belton and St. Louis is $3,540 (8.67%). St. Louis's median is -5.76% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Belton spans $20,704,St. Louis spans $25,005. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($46,640 effective) pays 2.40% more than Belton ($45,546 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Belton if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,349/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,910)
- ✓Larger job market (1,550 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,640)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Belton grew 33.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Belton, MO
$28,802 (2024) → $38,565 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$29,330 (2021) → $41,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Belton, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Belton or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Belton and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Belton to St. Louis as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Belton vs St. Louis?
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