Benton vs Hot Springs: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Benton, AR and Hot Springs, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Benton, AR | Hot Springs, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,061▲ | $36,857 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.26▲ | $17.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,685 | $31,005▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,794 | $36,857▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,225 | $45,630▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,959▲ | $48,328 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Benton, AR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Benton and Hot Springs is $3,204 (8.69%). Benton's median is -14.87% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Benton spans $23,274,Hot Springs spans $17,323. Benton 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, Benton ($46,100 effective) pays 7.23% more than Hot Springs ($42,992 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Benton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,061/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,959)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,100)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Benton grew 39.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 49.2% growth in Hot Springs over the same period.
Benton, AR
$27,242 (2024) → $37,858 (2025)
Hot Springs, AR
$23,350 (2021) → $34,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Benton, AR
Hot Springs, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Benton or Hot Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Benton and Hot Springs?
Should I relocate from Benton to Hot Springs as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Benton vs Hot Springs?
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