Hagerstown vs Wheaton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Hagerstown, MD and Wheaton, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hagerstown, MD | Wheaton, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,042 | $51,427▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.25 | $24.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,508▲ | $38,420 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,825 | $42,726▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,720 | $57,644▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,661 | $71,411▲ |
| Total Employed | 190▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Wheaton, MD offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hagerstown.
The salary gap between Hagerstown and Wheaton is $11,385 (28.43%). Wheaton's median is +9.28% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hagerstown spans $13,153,Wheaton spans $32,991. Wheaton 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, Wheaton ($47,051 effective) pays 10.66% more than Hagerstown ($42,521 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hagerstown if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Choose Wheaton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,427/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,411)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,051)
- ✓You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Hagerstown grew 14.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 1.1% growth in Wheaton over the same period.
Hagerstown, MD
$32,950 (2021) → $37,840 (2025)
Wheaton, MD
$48,085 (2024) → $48,599 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hagerstown, MD
Wheaton, MD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Hagerstown or Wheaton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hagerstown and Wheaton?
Should I relocate from Hagerstown to Wheaton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Hagerstown vs Wheaton?
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