Jackson vs Ridgeland: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Jackson, MS and Ridgeland, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Ridgeland, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,942▲ | $38,721 |
| Hourly Rate | $18.72▲ | $18.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,053 | $31,485▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,381 | $35,251▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,376 | $41,798▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,661 | $49,946▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Jackson, MS offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ridgeland.
The salary gap between Jackson and Ridgeland is $221 (0.57%). Jackson's median is -17.25% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jackson spans $17,608,Ridgeland spans $18,461. Ridgeland 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, Ridgeland ($45,182 effective) pays 3.32% more than Jackson ($43,731 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jackson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($38,942/year)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Ridgeland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($49,946)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,182)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Jackson grew 32.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 58.8% growth in Ridgeland over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$27,870 (2021) → $36,800 (2025)
Ridgeland, MS
$23,039 (2024) → $36,591 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Ridgeland, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Jackson or Ridgeland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Ridgeland?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Ridgeland as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Jackson vs Ridgeland?
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