Burlington vs Charlotte: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Burlington, NC and Charlotte, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burlington, NC | Charlotte, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,042▲ | $48,201 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.02▲ | $23.17 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,058▲ | $39,270 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,058 | $42,265▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,042▲ | $51,016 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,042 | $66,095▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 1,210▲ |
Verdict
Burlington and Charlotte are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Burlington and Charlotte is $3,841 (7.97%). Burlington's median is +10.59% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burlington spans $10,984,Charlotte spans $26,825. Charlotte 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, Burlington ($55,841 effective) pays 12.78% more than Charlotte ($49,514 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burlington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,042/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,841)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,095)
- ✓Larger job market (1,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Burlington grew 25.4% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Charlotte over the same period.
Burlington, NC
$39,230 (2022) → $49,180 (2025)
Charlotte, NC
$36,590 (2021) → $45,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burlington, NC
Charlotte, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Burlington or Charlotte?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burlington and Charlotte?
Should I relocate from Burlington to Charlotte as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Burlington vs Charlotte?
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