Independence vs Lexington: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Independence, KY and Lexington, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Independence, KY | Lexington, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,690 | $46,201▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.04 | $22.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,988▲ | $31,556 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,818 | $38,688▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $46,654 | $68,667▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $57,187 | $68,667▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between Independence and Lexington is $4,511 (10.82%). Lexington's median is -1.82% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Independence spans $24,199,Lexington spans $37,111. Lexington 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, Lexington ($49,738 effective) pays 6.54% more than Independence ($46,685 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,201/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,667)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,738)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Independence grew 39.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.1% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Independence, KY
$28,350 (2024) → $39,397 (2025)
Lexington, KY
$29,690 (2021) → $43,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Independence, KY
Lexington, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Independence or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Independence and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Independence to Lexington as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Independence vs Lexington?
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