Hot Springs vs Van Buren: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Hot Springs, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $36,857 | $37,959▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.72 | $18.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,005 | $31,946▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,857▲ | $33,820 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,630▲ | $42,467 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $48,328 | $51,509▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Van Buren, AR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and Van Buren is $1,102 (2.99%). Van Buren's median is -19.34% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $17,323,Van Buren spans $19,563. Van Buren 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, Van Buren ($43,681 effective) pays 1.60% more than Hot Springs ($42,992 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($37,959/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,509)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,681)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Hot Springs grew 49.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 39.0% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$23,350 (2021) → $34,830 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$25,812 (2024) → $35,871 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Hot Springs or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to Van Buren as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Hot Springs vs Van Buren?
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