Johnson City vs Knoxville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,751 | $40,561▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.63 | $19.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,661▲ | $30,751 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,672 | $34,402▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $43,852 | $48,624▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $47,238 | $50,275▲ |
| Total Employed | 120 | 560▲ |
Verdict
Knoxville, TN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnson City.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $1,810 (4.67%). Knoxville's median is -13.81% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $15,577,Knoxville spans $19,524. Knoxville 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, Johnson City ($44,071 effective) pays 0.58% more than Knoxville ($43,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,071)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,561/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,275)
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Johnson City grew 2.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$35,740 (2021) → $36,620 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$36,230 (2021) → $38,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Knoxville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Johnson City vs Knoxville?
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