Charlottesville vs Roanoke: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Charlottesville, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charlottesville, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,074 | $44,116▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.23 | $21.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,836 | $37,746▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,074 | $42,974▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,878▲ | $49,471 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,455▲ | $55,492 |
| Total Employed | 130 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charlottesville.
The salary gap between Charlottesville and Roanoke is $2,042 (4.85%). Roanoke's median is -6.25% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charlottesville spans $23,619,Roanoke spans $17,746. Charlottesville 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, Roanoke ($47,123 effective) pays 11.04% more than Charlottesville ($42,436 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charlottesville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,455)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,116/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,123)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Charlottesville grew 4.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 43.9% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Charlottesville, VA
$38,120 (2021) → $39,760 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$28,980 (2021) → $41,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charlottesville, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Charlottesville or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charlottesville and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Charlottesville to Roanoke as a emergency medical technician?
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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