Garden City vs Olathe: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Garden City, KS and Olathe, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Garden City, KS | Olathe, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,394 | $42,922▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.38 | $20.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,429 | $33,693▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,370 | $37,018▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,417 | $47,732▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,456 | $62,129▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 33▲ |
Verdict
Olathe, KS offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Garden City.
The salary gap between Garden City and Olathe is $528 (1.25%). Olathe's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Garden City spans $23,027,Olathe spans $28,436. Olathe 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, Olathe ($47,219 effective) pays 1.25% more than Garden City ($46,638 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Garden City if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Olathe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,129)
- ✓Larger job market (33 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,219)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Garden City grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Olathe over the same period.
Garden City, KS
$30,630 (2024) → $40,062 (2025)
Olathe, KS
$31,012 (2024) → $40,561 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Garden City, KS
Olathe, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Garden City or Olathe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Garden City and Olathe?
Should I relocate from Garden City to Olathe as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Garden City vs Olathe?
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