Phoenix vs Tucson: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Phoenix, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,799▲ | $41,079 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.10▲ | $19.75 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,831▲ | $33,503 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,069▲ | $35,905 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,164▲ | $45,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $52,550 | $53,122▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,840▲ | 360 |
Verdict
Phoenix, AZ offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Phoenix and Tucson is $720 (1.75%). 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,Tucson spans $19,619. Tucson 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, Tucson ($42,395 effective) pays 4.79% 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 Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,122)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,395)
- ✓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 11.4% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Phoenix, AZ
$29,340 (2021) → $39,500 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$34,840 (2021) → $38,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Phoenix, AZ
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Phoenix or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Phoenix and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Phoenix to Tucson as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Phoenix vs Tucson?
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