Jackson vs Tupelo: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Jackson, MS and Tupelo, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jackson, MS | Tupelo, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,942 | $39,938▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.72 | $19.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,053 | $30,279▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,381 | $35,768▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $41,376 | $43,745▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,661 | $53,229▲ |
| Total Employed | 450▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Tupelo, MS offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Jackson and Tupelo is $996 (2.56%). Tupelo's median is -15.13% 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,Tupelo spans $22,950. Tupelo 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, Tupelo ($46,602 effective) pays 6.56% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Tupelo if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($39,938/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,229)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,602)
- ✓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 Tupelo over the same period.
Jackson, MS
$27,870 (2021) → $36,800 (2025)
Tupelo, MS
$23,763 (2024) → $37,741 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jackson, MS
Tupelo, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Jackson or Tupelo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jackson and Tupelo?
Should I relocate from Jackson to Tupelo as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Jackson vs Tupelo?
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