Elizabethtown vs Louisville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Elizabethtown, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elizabethtown, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,068 | $45,816▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.75 | $22.03▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,418 | $32,520▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,518 | $37,121▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,362 | $52,632▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,545 | $66,630▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 132▲ |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Elizabethtown.
The salary gap between Elizabethtown and Louisville is $4,748 (11.56%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elizabethtown spans $26,127,Louisville spans $34,110. Louisville 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, Louisville ($51,306 effective) pays 11.56% more than Elizabethtown ($45,989 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elizabethtown if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,816/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,630)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,306)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Elizabethtown grew 39.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 39.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Elizabethtown, KY
$27,760 (2021) → $38,809 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$31,155 (2024) → $43,296 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elizabethtown, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Elizabethtown or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elizabethtown and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Elizabethtown to Louisville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Elizabethtown vs Louisville?
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