Plainfield vs Trenton: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Plainfield, NJ and Trenton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Plainfield, NJ | Trenton, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,109 | $59,714▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.01 | $28.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,049 | $48,847▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,840 | $49,926▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,351 | $65,206▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,380▲ | $77,545 |
| Total Employed | 10 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Trenton, NJ offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Plainfield.
The salary gap between Plainfield and Trenton is $5,605 (10.36%). Trenton's median is +26.89% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Plainfield spans $38,331,Trenton spans $28,698. Plainfield 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, Trenton ($57,874 effective) pays 23.22% more than Plainfield ($46,970 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Plainfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,380)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Trenton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,714/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,874)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Plainfield grew -3.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 51.0% growth in Trenton over the same period.
Plainfield, NJ
$52,892 (2024) → $51,133 (2025)
Trenton, NJ
$37,370 (2021) → $56,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Plainfield, NJ
Trenton, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Plainfield or Trenton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Plainfield and Trenton?
Should I relocate from Plainfield to Trenton as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Plainfield vs Trenton?
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