Ellensburg vs Olympia: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Ellensburg, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ellensburg, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,342 | $54,772▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.20 | $26.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,427▲ | $38,709 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,442▲ | $38,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,995 | $55,757▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,170▲ | $59,915 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ellensburg.
The salary gap between Ellensburg and Olympia is $4,430 (8.80%). Olympia's median is +16.39% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ellensburg spans $25,743,Olympia spans $21,206. Ellensburg 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, Olympia ($52,833 effective) pays 12.71% more than Ellensburg ($46,873 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ellensburg if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,170)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,772/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,833)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Ellensburg grew -22.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.9% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Ellensburg, WA
$61,473 (2024) → $47,573 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$36,470 (2021) → $51,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ellensburg, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Ellensburg or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ellensburg and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Ellensburg to Olympia as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Ellensburg vs Olympia?
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