Lakewood vs Olympia: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Lakewood, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lakewood, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,143 | $54,772▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.07 | $26.33▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,960 | $38,709▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,704▲ | $38,709 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,688▲ | $55,757 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,473▲ | $59,915 |
| Total Employed | 14 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakewood.
The salary gap between Lakewood and Olympia is $2,629 (5.04%). Olympia's median is +16.39% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lakewood spans $36,513,Olympia spans $21,206. Lakewood 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, Olympia ($52,833 effective) pays 8.82% more than Lakewood ($48,550 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lakewood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,473)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($54,772/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,833)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Lakewood grew -22.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.9% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Lakewood, WA
$63,671 (2024) → $49,275 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$36,470 (2021) → $51,760 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lakewood, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Lakewood or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lakewood and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Lakewood to Olympia as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Lakewood vs Olympia?
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