Chester vs Philadelphia: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Chester, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chester, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,462 | $50,571▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.45 | $24.31▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,582 | $40,730▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,920 | $47,524▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,011 | $57,439▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,419 | $64,508▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 4,970▲ |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chester.
The salary gap between Chester and Philadelphia is $10,109 (24.98%). Philadelphia's median is +7.47% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chester spans $19,837,Philadelphia spans $23,778. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($49,312 effective) pays 18.70% more than Chester ($41,542 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chester if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,571/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,508)
- ✓Larger job market (4,970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,312)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Chester grew 1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.7% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Chester, PA
$37,648 (2024) → $38,237 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$36,570 (2021) → $47,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chester, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Chester or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chester and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Chester to Philadelphia as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Chester vs Philadelphia?
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