Pittsburgh vs Johnstown: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Johnstown, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Johnstown, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,757▲ | $37,354 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.00▲ | $17.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,180▲ | $29,989 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,968▲ | $32,730 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,222▲ | $40,423 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,598▲ | $48,518 |
| Total Employed | 2,000▲ | 170 |
Verdict
Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Johnstown.
The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Johnstown is $8,403 (22.50%). Pittsburgh's median is -2.76% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $15,418,Johnstown spans $18,529. Johnstown 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, Pittsburgh ($48,333 effective) pays 11.18% more than Johnstown ($43,471 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pittsburgh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,757/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,598)
- ✓Larger job market (2,000 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,333)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Johnstown if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Pittsburgh grew 45.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 25.0% growth in Johnstown over the same period.
Pittsburgh, PA
$29,750 (2021) → $43,240 (2025)
Johnstown, PA
$28,240 (2021) → $35,300 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pittsburgh, PA
Johnstown, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Pittsburgh or Johnstown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Johnstown?
Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Johnstown as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Pittsburgh vs Johnstown?
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