Louisville/Jefferson County vs Louisville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Louisville, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Louisville, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,841▲ | $45,816 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.01▲ | $22.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,164▲ | $32,520 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,899▲ | $37,121 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,804▲ | $52,632 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $61,206 | $66,630▲ |
| Total Employed | 800▲ | 132 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville is $2,025 (4.42%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is +1.66% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $24,042,Louisville spans $34,110. Louisville 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($51,401 effective) pays 0.19% more than Louisville ($51,306 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,841/year)
- ✓Larger job market (800 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,401)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,630)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Louisville/Jefferson County grew 50.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 39.0% growth in Louisville over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$30,050 (2021) → $45,210 (2025)
Louisville, KY
$31,155 (2024) → $43,296 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Louisville, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Louisville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Louisville?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Louisville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Louisville?
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