Cedar Rapids vs Iowa City: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cedar Rapids, IA and Iowa City, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cedar Rapids, IA | Iowa City, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,497 | $55,249▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.43 | $26.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,847 | $39,619▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,529 | $39,619▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,587 | $62,159▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,476 | $84,063▲ |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Iowa City, IA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cedar Rapids.
The salary gap between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City is $12,752 (30.01%). Iowa City's median is +17.41% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cedar Rapids spans $13,629,Iowa City spans $44,444. Iowa City 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, Iowa City ($60,375 effective) pays 26.39% more than Cedar Rapids ($47,769 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cedar Rapids if…
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose Iowa City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,249/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($84,063)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,375)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cedar Rapids grew 38.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 70.8% growth in Iowa City over the same period.
Cedar Rapids, IA
$28,990 (2021) → $40,160 (2025)
Iowa City, IA
$30,560 (2021) → $52,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cedar Rapids, IA
Iowa City, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cedar Rapids or Iowa City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cedar Rapids and Iowa City?
Should I relocate from Cedar Rapids to Iowa City as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cedar Rapids vs Iowa 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