Pendleton vs Salem: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Pendleton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,262 | $53,757▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.68 | $25.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,104▲ | $38,159 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,945▲ | $41,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,260 | $61,704▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,603 | $65,693▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Salem is $4,495 (9.12%). Salem's median is +14.24% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $23,499,Salem spans $27,534. Salem 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, Salem ($51,864 effective) pays 8.02% more than Pendleton ($48,014 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,757/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($65,693)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,864)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Pendleton grew -1.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Salem over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$47,310 (2024) → $46,553 (2025)
Salem, OR
$36,030 (2021) → $50,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Pendleton or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and Salem?
Should I relocate from Pendleton to Salem as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Pendleton vs Salem?
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