Louisville vs Paducah: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Louisville, KY and Paducah, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville, KY | Paducah, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,816▲ | $39,302 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.03▲ | $18.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,520▲ | $30,116 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,121▲ | $31,852 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,632▲ | $45,100 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,630▲ | $49,153 |
| Total Employed | 132▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Louisville, KY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Paducah.
The salary gap between Louisville and Paducah is $6,514 (16.57%). Louisville's median is -2.64% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville spans $34,110,Paducah spans $19,037. Louisville 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, Louisville ($51,306 effective) pays 12.38% more than Paducah ($45,655 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,816/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,630)
- ✓Larger job market (132 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,306)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Paducah if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Louisville grew 39.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.7% growth in Paducah over the same period.
Louisville, KY
$31,155 (2024) → $43,296 (2025)
Paducah, KY
$27,161 (2024) → $37,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville, KY
Paducah, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Louisville or Paducah?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville and Paducah?
Should I relocate from Louisville to Paducah as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Louisville vs Paducah?
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