Knoxville vs Smyrna: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Knoxville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,561 | $41,908▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.50 | $20.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,751 | $32,049▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,402 | $35,372▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,624▲ | $47,594 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,275 | $57,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 560▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Smyrna, TN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Knoxville and Smyrna is $1,347 (3.32%). Smyrna's median is -10.94% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $19,524,Smyrna spans $25,432. Smyrna 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, Smyrna ($45,651 effective) pays 4.19% 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 Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (560 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,908/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,481)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,651)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Knoxville grew 5.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 25.5% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$36,230 (2021) → $38,330 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$31,549 (2024) → $39,603 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Knoxville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to Smyrna as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Knoxville vs Smyrna?
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