Gardner vs Wichita: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Gardner, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gardner, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,667▲ | $39,005 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.07▲ | $18.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,318▲ | $30,878 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,295 | $36,243▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $44,333 | $60,444▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,756 | $63,016▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Gardner and Wichita are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Gardner and Wichita is $662 (1.70%). Gardner's median is -15.71% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gardner spans $20,438,Wichita spans $32,138. Wichita 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, Wichita ($43,852 effective) pays 0.49% more than Gardner ($43,638 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gardner if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,667/year)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,016)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,852)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Gardner grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.0% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Gardner, KS
$28,660 (2024) → $37,485 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$29,260 (2021) → $36,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gardner, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Gardner or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gardner and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Gardner to Wichita as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Gardner vs Wichita?
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