Dover vs Smyrna: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Dover, DE and Smyrna, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dover, DE | Smyrna, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,682▲ | $44,338 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.92▲ | $21.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,058▲ | $37,169 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,333▲ | $39,398 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,513▲ | $48,630 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,556 | $58,379▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Dover, DE offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Dover and Smyrna is $3,344 (7.54%). Dover's median is +1.33% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dover spans $8,498,Smyrna spans $21,210. Smyrna 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, Dover ($48,901 effective) pays 12.17% more than Smyrna ($43,597 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dover if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,682/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,901)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,379)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Dover grew 33.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Dover, DE
$33,750 (2021) → $45,060 (2025)
Smyrna, DE
$37,687 (2024) → $41,899 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Dover or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dover and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Dover to Smyrna as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Dover vs Smyrna?
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