Chicago vs Wheaton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Chicago, IL and Wheaton, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Wheaton, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,582▲ | $42,714 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.39▲ | $20.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,063▲ | $34,152 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,593▲ | $37,168 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,466▲ | $48,624 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $143,376▲ | $60,555 |
| Total Employed | 5,610▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheaton.
The salary gap between Chicago and Wheaton is $3,868 (9.06%). Chicago's median is -1.01% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $101,313,Wheaton spans $26,403. Chicago 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, Chicago ($44,965 effective) pays 2.22% more than Wheaton ($43,990 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,582/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,376)
- ✓Larger job market (5,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,965)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Chicago grew 20.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$36,590 (2021) → $44,020 (2025)
Wheaton, IL
$40,082 (2024) → $40,365 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Wheaton, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Chicago or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Wheaton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Chicago vs Wheaton?
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