Lafayette vs Portage: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Lafayette, IN and Portage, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, IN | Portage, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,344▲ | $41,008 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.87▲ | $19.71 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,571▲ | $32,775 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,947▲ | $35,472 |
| 75th Percentile | $47,947▲ | $46,186 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $49,979 | $56,533▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portage.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Portage is $336 (0.82%). Lafayette's median is -12.14% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $15,408,Portage spans $23,758. Portage 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, Portage ($44,916 effective) pays 1.50% more than Lafayette ($44,251 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,344/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Portage if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,533)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,916)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Lafayette grew 33.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 22.1% growth in Portage over the same period.
Lafayette, IN
$29,340 (2021) → $39,070 (2025)
Portage, IN
$31,748 (2024) → $38,753 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, IN
Portage, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Lafayette or Portage?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Portage?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Portage as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Lafayette vs Portage?
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