Memphis vs Murfreesboro: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Memphis, TN and Murfreesboro, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Murfreesboro, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,868 | $49,884▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.65 | $23.98▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,016 | $38,283▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,825 | $42,359▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,444 | $57,820▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,296 | $71,067▲ |
| Total Employed | 860▲ | 29 |
Verdict
Murfreesboro, TN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Memphis.
The salary gap between Memphis and Murfreesboro is $9,016 (22.06%). Murfreesboro's median is +6.01% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $25,280,Murfreesboro spans $32,784. Murfreesboro 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, Murfreesboro ($54,340 effective) pays 22.57% more than Memphis ($44,335 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Murfreesboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,884/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,067)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,340)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Memphis grew 3.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 52.2% growth in Murfreesboro over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$37,290 (2021) → $38,620 (2025)
Murfreesboro, TN
$30,966 (2024) → $47,140 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Murfreesboro, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Memphis or Murfreesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Murfreesboro?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Murfreesboro as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Memphis vs Murfreesboro?
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