Medford vs Portland: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Medford, OR and Portland, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Medford, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,280 | $55,037▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.66 | $26.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,820 | $43,429▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,487 | $50,772▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,714▲ | $61,862 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,058 | $67,069▲ |
| Total Employed | 170 | 1,040▲ |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Medford.
The salary gap between Medford and Portland is $3,757 (7.33%). Portland's median is +16.96% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Medford spans $27,238,Portland spans $23,640. Medford 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, Portland ($52,207 effective) pays 3.27% more than Medford ($50,556 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Medford if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,037/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,069)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,207)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Medford grew 13.6% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 42.9% growth in Portland over the same period.
Medford, OR
$42,650 (2022) → $48,460 (2025)
Portland, OR
$36,400 (2021) → $52,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Medford, OR
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Medford or Portland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Medford and Portland?
Should I relocate from Medford to Portland as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Medford vs Portland?
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