Jacksonville vs Winter Haven: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Winter Haven, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Winter Haven, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,397 | $52,386▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.90 | $25.19▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,529 | $40,021▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,259 | $44,187▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,582 | $59,383▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,286 | $73,848▲ |
| Total Employed | 540▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Winter Haven, FL offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jacksonville.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Winter Haven is $10,989 (26.55%). Winter Haven's median is +11.32% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $13,757,Winter Haven spans $33,827. Winter Haven 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, Winter Haven ($51,970 effective) pays 24.89% more than Jacksonville ($41,612 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Larger job market (540 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Winter Haven if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,386/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,848)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,970)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Jacksonville grew 35.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Winter Haven over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$28,980 (2021) → $39,120 (2025)
Winter Haven, FL
$38,699 (2024) → $49,505 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Winter Haven, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Jacksonville or Winter Haven?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Winter Haven?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Winter Haven as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Jacksonville vs Winter Haven?
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