Denver vs Arvada: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Denver, CO and Arvada, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Arvada, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,413 | $49,571▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.28 | $23.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,397▲ | $39,075 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,772 | $42,875▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $52,762 | $55,252▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,778 | $68,753▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,510▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Arvada, CO offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Denver.
The salary gap between Denver and Arvada is $1,158 (2.39%). Arvada's median is +5.34% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $20,381,Arvada spans $29,678. Arvada 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, Arvada ($47,210 effective) pays 3.15% more than Denver ($45,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Arvada if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,571/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,753)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,210)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Denver grew 53.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 3.7% growth in Arvada over the same period.
Denver, CO
$29,810 (2021) → $45,750 (2025)
Arvada, CO
$45,156 (2024) → $46,845 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Arvada, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Denver or Arvada?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Arvada?
Should I relocate from Denver to Arvada as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Denver vs Arvada?
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