Raleigh vs Wilson: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilson, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilson, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,021▲ | $46,445 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.01▲ | $22.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,836▲ | $37,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,931▲ | $40,782 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,053▲ | $52,898 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,540▲ | $63,350 |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilson.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilson is $5,576 (12.01%). Raleigh's median is +10.55% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $29,704,Wilson spans $25,409. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($52,998 effective) pays 6.81% more than Wilson ($49,621 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,021/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,540)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,998)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilson if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Raleigh grew 33.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in Wilson over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$36,830 (2021) → $49,160 (2025)
Wilson, NC
$32,302 (2024) → $43,891 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilson, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Raleigh or Wilson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wilson?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wilson as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Raleigh vs Wilson?
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