Boulder vs Parker: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Boulder, CO and Parker, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Parker, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,259 | $47,988▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.72 | $23.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,037▲ | $35,181 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,037 | $41,196▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,518 | $55,116▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,212 | $68,846▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Parker, CO offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boulder.
The salary gap between Boulder and Parker is $729 (1.54%). Parker's median is +1.98% 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,Parker spans $33,665. Parker 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, Parker ($45,703 effective) pays 1.74% more than Boulder ($44,922 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Parker if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,988/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,846)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,703)
- ✓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 Parker over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$36,780 (2021) → $44,660 (2025)
Parker, CO
$43,713 (2024) → $45,349 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Parker, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Boulder or Parker?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Parker?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Parker as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Boulder vs Parker?
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