Charleston vs Clemson: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Charleston, SC and Clemson, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Clemson, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,227▲ | $38,886 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.71▲ | $18.70 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,757▲ | $32,038 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,757▲ | $34,269 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,376▲ | $43,149 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $55,905▲ | $52,195 |
| Total Employed | 780▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Clemson.
The salary gap between Charleston and Clemson is $8,341 (21.45%). Charleston's median is +0.36% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $14,148,Clemson spans $20,157. Clemson 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, Charleston ($46,777 effective) pays 10.07% more than Clemson ($42,498 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,227/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,905)
- ✓Larger job market (780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,777)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Clemson if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Charleston grew 21.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Clemson over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$36,630 (2021) → $44,630 (2025)
Clemson, SC
$28,648 (2024) → $36,747 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Clemson, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Charleston or Clemson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Clemson?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Clemson as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Charleston vs Clemson?
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