Liberal vs Topeka: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Liberal, KS and Topeka, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Liberal, KS | Topeka, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $39,895 | $41,227▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.19 | $19.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,723 | $34,021▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,779 | $37,439▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $42,531▲ | $41,227 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,491 | $55,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 220▲ |
Verdict
Topeka, KS offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Liberal.
The salary gap between Liberal and Topeka is $1,332 (3.34%). Topeka's median is -12.39% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Liberal spans $20,768,Topeka spans $21,460. Topeka 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, Topeka ($46,416 effective) pays 5.76% more than Liberal ($43,889 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Liberal if…
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Topeka if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,227/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($55,481)
- ✓Larger job market (220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,416)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Liberal grew 30.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 118.3% growth in Topeka over the same period.
Liberal, KS
$28,825 (2024) → $37,701 (2025)
Topeka, KS
$17,850 (2021) → $38,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Liberal, KS
Topeka, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Liberal or Topeka?
What is the hourly rate difference between Liberal and Topeka?
Should I relocate from Liberal to Topeka as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Liberal vs Topeka?
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