Columbus vs Hattiesburg: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Columbus, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $37,923 | $39,566▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.23 | $19.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,520 | $33,217▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,393 | $35,873▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $40,845 | $41,280▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,723▲ | $48,497 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Hattiesburg, MS offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Hattiesburg is $1,643 (4.33%). Hattiesburg's median is -15.92% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $19,203,Hattiesburg spans $15,280. Columbus 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, Hattiesburg ($45,150 effective) pays 2.03% more than Columbus ($44,251 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($48,723)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,566/year)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,150)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Columbus grew 58.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Columbus, MS
$22,564 (2024) → $35,837 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$30,300 (2023) → $37,390 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Columbus or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Hattiesburg?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Hattiesburg as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Columbus vs Hattiesburg?
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