Madison vs Milwaukee: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Madison, WI and Milwaukee, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,698 | $51,725▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.46 | $24.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,026 | $39,524▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,741▲ | $40,148 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,264 | $54,201▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,550▲ | $59,693 |
| Total Employed | 520 | 830▲ |
Verdict
Milwaukee, WI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Milwaukee is $5,027 (10.76%). Milwaukee's median is +9.92% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $25,524,Milwaukee spans $20,169. Madison 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, Milwaukee ($53,359 effective) pays 11.16% more than Madison ($48,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,550)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Milwaukee if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,725/year)
- ✓Larger job market (830 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,359)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Madison grew 49.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 62.4% growth in Milwaukee over the same period.
Madison, WI
$29,510 (2021) → $44,130 (2025)
Milwaukee, WI
$30,090 (2021) → $48,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Madison or Milwaukee?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Milwaukee?
Should I relocate from Madison to Milwaukee as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Madison vs Milwaukee?
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