Kennewick vs Seattle: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Kennewick, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kennewick, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,185 | $58,942▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.64 | $28.34▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,100 | $52,402▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,100 | $55,450▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $54,212 | $61,661▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,952 | $64,677▲ |
| Total Employed | 110 | 1,290▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kennewick.
The salary gap between Kennewick and Seattle is $9,757 (19.84%). Seattle's median is +25.25% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kennewick spans $23,852,Seattle spans $12,275. Kennewick has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($53,037 effective) pays 7.92% more than Kennewick ($49,146 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,942/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,677)
- ✓Larger job market (1,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,037)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Kennewick grew 52.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 56.5% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Kennewick, WA
$30,410 (2021) → $46,480 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$35,590 (2021) → $55,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kennewick, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Kennewick or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kennewick and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Kennewick to Seattle as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Kennewick vs Seattle?
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