Normal vs Peoria: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Normal, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Normal, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,135▲ | $40,074 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.25▲ | $19.27 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,553 | $34,698▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,063 | $38,688▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,286 | $47,608▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,602▲ | $48,847 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Normal, IL offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Normal and Peoria is $2,061 (5.14%). Normal's median is -10.46% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Normal spans $27,049,Peoria spans $14,149. Normal 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, Peoria ($43,926 effective) pays 1.23% more than Normal ($43,393 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Normal if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,135/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,602)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,926)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Normal grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Normal, IL
$39,539 (2024) → $39,818 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$28,870 (2021) → $37,870 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Normal, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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