Birmingham vs Gadsden: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Birmingham, AL and Gadsden, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Gadsden, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,185▲ | $38,832 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.80▲ | $18.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,540▲ | $32,305 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,095 | $34,528▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,312▲ | $43,749 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,656▲ | $53,749 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Birmingham, AL offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gadsden.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Gadsden is $2,353 (6.06%). Birmingham's median is -12.48% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $28,116,Gadsden spans $21,444. Birmingham 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, Birmingham ($44,940 effective) pays 1.73% more than Gadsden ($44,177 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,656)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,940)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Gadsden if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Birmingham grew 33.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 34.8% growth in Gadsden over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$29,260 (2021) → $38,920 (2025)
Gadsden, AL
$27,213 (2024) → $36,696 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Gadsden, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Birmingham or Gadsden?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Gadsden?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Gadsden as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Birmingham vs Gadsden?
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