Cedar City vs Salt Lake City: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cedar City, UT and Salt Lake City, UT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar City, UT | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,547▲ | $41,693 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.89▲ | $20.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,620 | $40,243▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,584▲ | $40,243 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,688▲ | $48,973 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,372▲ | $51,048 |
| Total Employed | 9 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Cedar City, UT offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salt Lake City.
The salary gap between Cedar City and Salt Lake City is $3,854 (9.24%). Cedar City's median is -3.21% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar City spans $24,752,Salt Lake City spans $10,805. Cedar City 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, Cedar City ($46,429 effective) pays 12.33% more than Salt Lake City ($41,334 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,547/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,372)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,429)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Choose Salt Lake City if…
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Utah area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cedar City grew 17.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.9% growth in Salt Lake City over the same period.
Cedar City, UT
$36,780 (2024) → $43,042 (2025)
Salt Lake City, UT
$29,430 (2021) → $39,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar City, UT
Salt Lake City, UT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cedar City or Salt Lake City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar City and Salt Lake City?
Should I relocate from Cedar City to Salt Lake City as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cedar City vs Salt Lake City?
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