Chillicothe vs Columbus: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Chillicothe, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chillicothe, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,734 | $43,936▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.10 | $21.12▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,843 | $39,058▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,098 | $41,280▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,265 | $49,693▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,614 | $58,698▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Chillicothe.
The salary gap between Chillicothe and Columbus is $4,202 (10.58%). Columbus's median is -6.63% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chillicothe spans $22,771,Columbus spans $19,640. Chillicothe 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, Columbus ($46,021 effective) pays 5.05% more than Chillicothe ($43,808 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chillicothe if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,698)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,021)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Chillicothe grew 15.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.4% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Chillicothe, OH
$32,451 (2024) → $37,549 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$30,210 (2021) → $41,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chillicothe, OH
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Chillicothe or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chillicothe and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Chillicothe to Columbus as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Chillicothe vs Columbus?
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