Boulder vs Brighton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Boulder, CO and Brighton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Brighton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,259▲ | $46,147 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.72▲ | $22.19 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,037▲ | $37,271 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,037▲ | $40,205 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,518▲ | $52,183 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,212 | $64,189▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Boulder and Brighton is $1,112 (2.41%). Boulder's median is +0.43% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $21,175,Brighton spans $26,918. Brighton 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, Boulder ($44,922 effective) pays 2.21% more than Brighton ($43,950 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,259/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,922)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Brighton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,189)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Boulder grew 21.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Brighton over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$36,780 (2021) → $44,660 (2025)
Brighton, CO
$42,036 (2024) → $43,609 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Brighton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Boulder or Brighton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Brighton?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Brighton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Boulder vs Brighton?
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