Houston vs Richardson: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Houston, TX and Richardson, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | Richardson, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,153▲ | $38,926 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.79▲ | $18.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,508▲ | $28,047 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,878▲ | $33,982 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,952▲ | $43,767 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,815▲ | $54,426 |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Richardson.
The salary gap between Houston and Richardson is $2,227 (5.72%). 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,Richardson spans $26,379. Richardson 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, Houston ($41,725 effective) pays 2.90% more than Richardson ($40,548 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 Richardson 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 -0.4% growth in Richardson over the same period.
Houston, TX
$36,360 (2021) → $38,890 (2025)
Richardson, TX
$36,932 (2024) → $36,785 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
Richardson, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Houston or Richardson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and Richardson?
Should I relocate from Houston to Richardson as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Houston vs Richardson?
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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