Cincinnati vs Lorain: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cincinnati, OH and Lorain, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cincinnati, OH | Lorain, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,233 | $42,656▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.31 | $20.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,910▲ | $31,332 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,418▲ | $37,630 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,026▲ | $47,477 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,730▲ | $58,507 |
| Total Employed | 750▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Cincinnati and Lorain are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cincinnati and Lorain is $423 (1.00%). Lorain's median is -9.35% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cincinnati spans $27,820,Lorain spans $27,175. Cincinnati 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, Lorain ($47,030 effective) pays 6.20% more than Cincinnati ($44,283 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cincinnati if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,730)
- ✓Larger job market (750 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lorain if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,656/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,030)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cincinnati grew 15.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 15.7% growth in Lorain over the same period.
Cincinnati, OH
$34,540 (2021) → $39,910 (2025)
Lorain, OH
$34,838 (2024) → $40,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cincinnati, OH
Lorain, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cincinnati or Lorain?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cincinnati and Lorain?
Should I relocate from Cincinnati to Lorain as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cincinnati vs Lorain?
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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