Bristol vs Staunton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Bristol, VA and Staunton, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Staunton, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,708 | $45,492▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.09 | $21.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,439 | $38,709▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,667 | $40,233▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,814 | $48,476▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,707 | $61,682▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Staunton, VA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Staunton is $5,784 (14.57%). Staunton's median is -3.33% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $20,268,Staunton spans $22,973. Staunton 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, Staunton ($49,921 effective) pays 29.74% more than Bristol ($38,477 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Staunton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,492/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,682)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,921)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Bristol grew -0.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Staunton over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$37,711 (2024) → $37,524 (2025)
Staunton, VA
$36,100 (2021) → $42,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Staunton, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Bristol or Staunton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Staunton?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Staunton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Bristol vs Staunton?
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