Grand Rapids vs Saginaw: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Saginaw, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Saginaw, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,397▲ | $40,707 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.90▲ | $19.57 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,270▲ | $31,754 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,476▲ | $34,636 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,640▲ | $45,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,042 | $55,303▲ |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids, MI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Saginaw.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Saginaw is $690 (1.70%). 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,Saginaw spans $23,549. Saginaw 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, Saginaw ($43,677 effective) pays 0.81% 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 Saginaw if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,303)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,677)
- ✓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 Saginaw over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$28,440 (2021) → $39,120 (2025)
Saginaw, MI
$34,902 (2024) → $38,468 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Saginaw, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Grand Rapids or Saginaw?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Saginaw?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Saginaw as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Grand Rapids vs Saginaw?
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