Elmira vs Rochester: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Elmira, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elmira, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,265 | $45,852▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.80 | $22.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,452 | $39,545▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,331 | $41,100▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,705 | $48,021▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,964▲ | $50,952 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 650▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elmira.
The salary gap between Elmira and Rochester is $2,587 (5.98%). Rochester's median is -2.56% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elmira spans $23,512,Rochester spans $11,407. Elmira 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, Rochester ($47,253 effective) pays 26.58% more than Elmira ($37,330 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elmira if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,964)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,852/year)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,253)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Elmira grew -19.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Elmira, NY
$50,463 (2024) → $40,885 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$29,910 (2021) → $43,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elmira, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Elmira or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elmira and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Elmira to Rochester as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Elmira vs Rochester?
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