Houston vs McAllen: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,153▲ | $35,577 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.79▲ | $17.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,508▲ | $30,518 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,878▲ | $30,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,952▲ | $36,910 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,815▲ | $44,180 |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 590 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $5,576 (15.67%). Houston's median is -12.55% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $22,307,McAllen spans $13,662. Houston 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, Houston ($41,725 effective) pays 0.74% more than McAllen ($41,419 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,153/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,815)
- ✓Larger job market (2,680 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,725)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose McAllen if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Houston grew 7.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 18.3% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$36,360 (2021) → $38,890 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$28,420 (2021) → $33,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Houston vs McAllen?
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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