Fayetteville vs Russellville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Russellville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Russellville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,095▲ | $39,522 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.21▲ | $19.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,804▲ | $32,812 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,079▲ | $35,092 |
| 75th Percentile | $44,095 | $44,478▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,048 | $54,624▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Russellville.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Russellville is $4,573 (11.57%). 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,Russellville spans $21,812. Russellville 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 6.13% more than Russellville ($45,480 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)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,269)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Russellville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,624)
- ✓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 39.0% growth in Russellville over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$36,330 (2021) → $41,670 (2025)
Russellville, AR
$26,876 (2024) → $37,348 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Russellville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Fayetteville or Russellville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Russellville?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Russellville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Fayetteville vs Russellville?
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