Cleveland vs Nashville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cleveland, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,495 | $50,783▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.47 | $24.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,063 | $33,894▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,577 | $39,989▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,110 | $62,825▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,699 | $80,825▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 930▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cleveland.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Nashville is $10,288 (25.41%). Nashville's median is +7.92% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $23,636,Nashville spans $46,931. Nashville 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, Nashville ($52,713 effective) pays 19.50% more than Cleveland ($44,112 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,783/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,825)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,713)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cleveland grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Cleveland, TN
$30,485 (2024) → $38,268 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$36,360 (2021) → $47,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cleveland or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Nashville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cleveland vs Nashville?
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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