Columbia vs Mount Pleasant: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Columbia, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,751▲ | $42,847 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.51▲ | $20.60 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,598▲ | $32,990 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,233▲ | $35,429 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,524▲ | $47,891 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,074 | $59,105▲ |
| Total Employed | 770▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Columbia and Mount Pleasant is $1,904 (4.44%). Columbia's median is -4.90% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $16,476,Mount Pleasant spans $26,115. Mount Pleasant 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, Columbia ($47,779 effective) pays 2.03% more than Mount Pleasant ($46,827 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,751/year)
- ✓Larger job market (770 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,779)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,105)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Columbia grew 20.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 28.3% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$35,100 (2021) → $42,290 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$31,566 (2024) → $40,490 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Columbia or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Mount Pleasant as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Columbia vs Mount Pleasant?
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