Norfolk vs Staunton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Norfolk, VA and Staunton, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Norfolk, VA | Staunton, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,296▲ | $45,492 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.70▲ | $21.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,254 | $38,709▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,255▲ | $40,233 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,921▲ | $48,476 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,387▲ | $61,682 |
| Total Employed | 54 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Norfolk, VA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Staunton.
The salary gap between Norfolk and Staunton is $3,804 (8.36%). Norfolk's median is +4.76% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Norfolk spans $37,133,Staunton spans $22,973. Norfolk 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, Staunton ($49,921 effective) pays 4.51% more than Norfolk ($47,767 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Norfolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,296/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,387)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Staunton if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,921)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Norfolk grew 13.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Staunton over the same period.
Norfolk, VA
$40,995 (2024) → $46,585 (2025)
Staunton, VA
$36,100 (2021) → $42,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Norfolk, VA
Staunton, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Norfolk or Staunton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Norfolk and Staunton?
Should I relocate from Norfolk to Staunton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Norfolk vs Staunton?
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