Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Madison, WI and Wisconsin Rapids, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, WI | Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,698▲ | $44,825 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.46▲ | $21.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,026▲ | $36,803 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,741▲ | $38,256 |
| 75th Percentile | $52,264▲ | $48,567 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,550▲ | $58,272 |
| Total Employed | 520▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wisconsin Rapids.
The salary gap between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids is $1,873 (4.18%). Madison's median is -0.77% 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,Wisconsin Rapids spans $21,469. 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, Madison ($48,000 effective) pays 0.02% more than Wisconsin Rapids ($47,993 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,698/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,550)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,000)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Wisconsin Rapids if…
- ✓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 30.2% growth in Wisconsin Rapids over the same period.
Madison, WI
$29,510 (2021) → $44,130 (2025)
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
$32,542 (2024) → $42,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, WI
Wisconsin Rapids, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Madison or Wisconsin Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Wisconsin Rapids?
Should I relocate from Madison to Wisconsin Rapids as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Madison vs Wisconsin Rapids?
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