Gresham vs Portland: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Gresham, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gresham, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,471 | $55,037▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.23 | $26.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,635 | $43,429▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,359 | $50,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,478 | $61,862▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,561▲ | $67,069 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gresham.
The salary gap between Gresham and Portland is $2,566 (4.89%). Portland's median is +16.96% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gresham spans $33,926,Portland spans $23,640. Gresham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Portland ($52,207 effective) pays 2.08% more than Gresham ($51,141 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gresham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,561)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,037/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,207)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Gresham grew -1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Gresham, OR
$50,391 (2024) → $49,585 (2025)
Portland, OR
$36,400 (2021) → $52,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gresham, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Gresham or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gresham and Portland?
Should I relocate from Gresham to Portland as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Gresham vs Portland?
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