Houston vs San Antonio: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Houston, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,153▲ | $39,323 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.79▲ | $18.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,508▲ | $33,481 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,878▲ | $37,746 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,952▲ | $46,106 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,815▲ | $51,217 |
| Total Employed | 2,680▲ | 1,100 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to San Antonio.
The salary gap between Houston and San Antonio is $1,830 (4.65%). 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,San Antonio spans $17,736. 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 0.50% more than San Antonio ($41,517 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 San Antonio 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 10.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Houston, TX
$36,360 (2021) → $38,890 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$33,770 (2021) → $37,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Houston or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Antonio as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Houston vs San Antonio?
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