Nashville vs Knoxville: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Nashville, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,783▲ | $40,561 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.41▲ | $19.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,894▲ | $30,751 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,989▲ | $34,402 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,825▲ | $48,624 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,825▲ | $50,275 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 560 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Nashville and Knoxville is $10,222 (25.20%). Nashville's median is +7.92% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Nashville spans $46,931,Knoxville spans $19,524. Nashville 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, Nashville ($52,713 effective) pays 20.30% more than Knoxville ($43,817 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,783/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,825)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,713)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Nashville grew 32.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 5.8% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$36,360 (2021) → $47,990 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$36,230 (2021) → $38,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Nashville or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Knoxville as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Nashville vs Knoxville?
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