Portland vs Salem: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Portland, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,037▲ | $53,757 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.47▲ | $25.84 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,429▲ | $38,159 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,772▲ | $41,280 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,862▲ | $61,704 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $67,069▲ | $65,693 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Portland, OR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Portland and Salem is $1,280 (2.38%). Portland's median is +16.96% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portland spans $23,640,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, Portland ($52,207 effective) pays 0.66% more than Salem ($51,864 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,037/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($67,069)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,207)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Portland grew 42.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 41.0% growth in Salem over the same period.
Portland, OR
$36,400 (2021) → $52,010 (2025)
Salem, OR
$36,030 (2021) → $50,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portland, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Portland or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portland and Salem?
Should I relocate from Portland to Salem as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Portland 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