Cleveland vs Dayton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,069▲ | $41,090 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.63▲ | $19.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,429▲ | $38,730 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,111▲ | $40,391 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,323▲ | $50,413 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,725▲ | $56,085 |
| Total Employed | 970▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $5,979 (14.55%). Cleveland's median is +0.02% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $22,296,Dayton spans $17,355. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($50,114 effective) pays 13.05% more than Dayton ($44,329 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,069/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,725)
- ✓Larger job market (970 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,114)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cleveland grew 43.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 7.4% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$31,040 (2021) → $44,480 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$36,150 (2021) → $38,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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