Decatur vs Montgomery: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Decatur, AL and Montgomery, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, AL | Montgomery, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,127 | $42,794▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.33 | $20.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,926▲ | $31,016 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,238 | $40,698▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,725 | $53,947▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,725 | $53,947▲ |
| Total Employed | 50 | 150▲ |
Verdict
Montgomery, AL offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Montgomery is $4,667 (12.24%). Montgomery's median is -9.06% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $15,799,Montgomery spans $22,931. Montgomery 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, Montgomery ($47,717 effective) pays 9.15% more than Decatur ($43,718 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Montgomery if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,794/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,947)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,717)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Decatur grew 25.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 42.7% growth in Montgomery over the same period.
Decatur, AL
$28,690 (2021) → $36,030 (2025)
Montgomery, AL
$28,340 (2021) → $40,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, AL
Montgomery, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Decatur or Montgomery?
What is the hourly rate difference between Decatur and Montgomery?
Should I relocate from Decatur to Montgomery as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Decatur vs Montgomery?
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