Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,095▲ | $39,714 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.21▲ | $19.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,804▲ | $33,704 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,079▲ | $33,704 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,095▲ | $39,714 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,048▲ | $50,265 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $4,381 (11.03%). Fayetteville's median is -6.30% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $12,244,Little Rock spans $16,561. Little Rock 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, Fayetteville ($48,269 effective) pays 8.61% more than Little Rock ($44,441 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,095/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,048)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,269)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Fayetteville grew 14.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 6.6% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$36,330 (2021) → $41,670 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$35,190 (2021) → $37,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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