Brighton vs Denver: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Brighton, CO and Denver, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Brighton, CO | Denver, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,147 | $48,413▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.19 | $23.28▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,271 | $41,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,205 | $42,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,183 | $52,762▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,189▲ | $61,778 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 1,510▲ |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Brighton.
The salary gap between Brighton and Denver is $2,266 (4.91%). Denver's median is +2.88% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brighton spans $26,918,Denver spans $20,381. Brighton 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, Denver ($45,767 effective) pays 4.13% 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 Brighton if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,189)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,413/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,510 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,767)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Brighton grew 3.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.5% growth in Denver over the same period.
Brighton, CO
$42,036 (2024) → $43,609 (2025)
Denver, CO
$29,810 (2021) → $45,750 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Brighton, CO
Denver, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Brighton or Denver?
What is the hourly rate difference between Brighton and Denver?
Should I relocate from Brighton to Denver as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Brighton vs Denver?
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