Grand Rapids vs Jackson: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Jackson, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Jackson, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,397▲ | $40,736 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.90▲ | $19.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,270▲ | $31,654 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,476▲ | $34,697 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,640▲ | $44,416 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,042 | $53,958▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Jackson is $661 (1.62%). Grand Rapids's median is -12.03% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $12,772,Jackson spans $22,304. Jackson 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, Jackson ($43,708 effective) pays 0.88% more than Grand Rapids ($43,327 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,397/year)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,958)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,708)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Grand Rapids grew 37.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 10.2% growth in Jackson over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$28,440 (2021) → $39,120 (2025)
Jackson, MI
$34,927 (2024) → $38,496 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Jackson, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Grand Rapids or Jackson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Jackson?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Jackson as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Grand Rapids vs Jackson?
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