Dallas vs Harlingen: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Dallas, TX and Harlingen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Harlingen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,106▲ | $36,425 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.28▲ | $17.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,651▲ | $27,669 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,159▲ | $31,994 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,598▲ | $40,375 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,720▲ | $49,821 |
| Total Employed | 3,000▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Harlingen.
The salary gap between Dallas and Harlingen is $3,681 (10.11%). Dallas's median is -14.77% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $23,069,Harlingen spans $22,152. Dallas 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, Dallas ($38,904 effective) pays 2.53% more than Harlingen ($37,943 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,106/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,720)
- ✓Larger job market (3,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $38,904)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Harlingen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Dallas grew 4.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -6.4% growth in Harlingen over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$36,150 (2021) → $37,900 (2025)
Harlingen, TX
$36,758 (2024) → $34,422 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dallas, TX
Harlingen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Dallas or Harlingen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Harlingen?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Harlingen as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Dallas vs Harlingen?
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