Hartford vs Waterbury: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Hartford, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,259 | $55,492▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.65 | $26.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,312 | $46,624▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,296 | $50,339▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,540 | $60,148▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,725▲ | $60,264 |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 270 |
Verdict
Hartford and Waterbury are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hartford and Waterbury is $4,233 (8.26%). Waterbury's median is +17.92% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $20,413,Waterbury spans $13,640. Hartford 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, Waterbury ($55,615 effective) pays 11.48% more than Hartford ($49,889 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($61,725)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,492/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,615)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Hartford grew 31.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.5% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$36,820 (2021) → $48,440 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$46,210 (2021) → $52,440 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Hartford or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Waterbury as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Hartford vs Waterbury?
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