Charlotte vs Fayetteville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Charlotte, NC and Fayetteville, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Fayetteville, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,201 | $48,995▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.17 | $23.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,270 | $40,106▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,265 | $45,862▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $51,016▲ | $48,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,095▲ | $50,476 |
| Total Employed | 1,210▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Charlotte and Fayetteville are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Charlotte and Fayetteville is $794 (1.65%). Fayetteville's median is +4.12% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlotte spans $26,825,Fayetteville spans $10,370. Charlotte 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, Fayetteville ($53,268 effective) pays 7.58% 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 Charlotte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,095)
- ✓Larger job market (1,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,995/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,268)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Charlotte grew 24.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 105.3% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Charlotte, NC
$36,590 (2021) → $45,550 (2025)
Fayetteville, NC
$22,550 (2021) → $46,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlotte, NC
Fayetteville, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Charlotte or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlotte and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Charlotte to Fayetteville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Charlotte vs Fayetteville?
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