Phoenix vs Surprise: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Surprise, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Surprise, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,799▲ | $41,349 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.10▲ | $19.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,831▲ | $32,102 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,069▲ | $35,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,164▲ | $47,298 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,550 | $59,387▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,840▲ | 31 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Surprise.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Surprise is $450 (1.09%). Phoenix's median is -11.18% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Phoenix spans $16,719,Surprise spans $27,285. Surprise 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, Surprise ($41,979 effective) pays 3.76% more than Phoenix ($40,457 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Phoenix if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,799/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,840 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Surprise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,387)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $41,979)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Phoenix grew 34.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.6% growth in Surprise over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$29,340 (2021) → $39,500 (2025)
Surprise, AZ
$39,315 (2024) → $39,075 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Surprise, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Phoenix or Surprise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Surprise?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Surprise as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Phoenix vs Surprise?
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