Kirkwood vs Springfield: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Kirkwood, MO and Springfield, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkwood, MO | Springfield, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,808 | $46,243▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.58 | $22.23▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,851 | $39,884▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,762 | $42,645▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,890 | $51,640▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,695 | $62,127▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 280▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, MO offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkwood.
The salary gap between Kirkwood and Springfield is $3,435 (8.02%). Springfield's median is -1.73% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkwood spans $24,844,Springfield spans $22,243. Kirkwood 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, Springfield ($52,202 effective) pays 9.26% more than Kirkwood ($47,777 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkwood if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,243/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,127)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,202)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Kirkwood grew 33.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Kirkwood, MO
$30,213 (2024) → $40,454 (2025)
Springfield, MO
$39,630 (2023) → $43,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkwood, MO
Springfield, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Kirkwood or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkwood and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Kirkwood to Springfield as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Kirkwood vs Springfield?
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