Memphis vs Shelbyville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Memphis, TN and Shelbyville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Shelbyville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,868▲ | $39,681 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.65▲ | $19.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,016 | $32,093▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,825▲ | $34,408 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,444▲ | $43,504 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,296▲ | $52,408 |
| Total Employed | 860▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.
The salary gap between Memphis and Shelbyville is $1,187 (2.99%). Memphis's median is -13.15% 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,Shelbyville spans $20,315. Memphis 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, Memphis ($44,335 effective) pays 2.57% more than Shelbyville ($43,225 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Memphis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,868/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($56,296)
- ✓Larger job market (860 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,335)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Shelbyville if…
- ✓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 25.5% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.
Memphis, TN
$37,290 (2021) → $38,620 (2025)
Shelbyville, TN
$29,873 (2024) → $37,499 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Memphis, TN
Shelbyville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Memphis or Shelbyville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Shelbyville?
Should I relocate from Memphis to Shelbyville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Memphis vs Shelbyville?
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