Columbia vs Knoxville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Columbia, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,404 | $40,561▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.43 | $19.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,766▲ | $30,751 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,823 | $34,402▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,930 | $48,624▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,396▲ | $50,275 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Knoxville is $157 (0.39%). Knoxville's median is -13.81% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $25,630,Knoxville spans $19,524. Columbia 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, Columbia ($44,013 effective) pays 0.45% more than Knoxville ($43,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,396)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,013)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,561/year)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Columbia grew 25.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Columbia, TN
$30,417 (2024) → $38,182 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$36,230 (2021) → $38,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Columbia or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Knoxville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Columbia vs Knoxville?
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