Cranston vs Providence: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cranston, RI and Providence, RI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cranston, RI | Providence, RI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,260 | $50,063▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.24 | $24.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,638 | $41,386▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,993 | $47,153▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,482 | $57,079▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,715▲ | $64,487 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Providence, RI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cranston.
The salary gap between Cranston and Providence is $3,803 (8.22%). Providence's median is +6.39% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cranston spans $30,077,Providence spans $23,101. Cranston 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, Providence ($49,191 effective) pays 6.87% more than Cranston ($46,030 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cranston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,715)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Choose Providence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,063/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,191)
- ✓You prefer the Rhode Island area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cranston grew 1.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Providence over the same period.
Cranston, RI
$43,254 (2024) → $43,716 (2025)
Providence, RI
$37,210 (2021) → $47,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cranston, RI
Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cranston or Providence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cranston and Providence?
Should I relocate from Cranston to Providence as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cranston vs Providence?
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