Rochester vs Schenectady: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Rochester, NY and Schenectady, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Schenectady, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,852▲ | $45,674 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.04▲ | $21.96 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,545▲ | $35,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,100▲ | $38,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,021 | $52,200▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,952 | $63,429▲ |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Schenectady.
The salary gap between Rochester and Schenectady is $178 (0.39%). Rochester's median is -2.56% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $11,407,Schenectady spans $27,969. Schenectady 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, Rochester ($47,253 effective) pays 19.91% more than Schenectady ($39,408 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,852/year)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,253)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Schenectady if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,429)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Rochester grew 44.9% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -16.4% growth in Schenectady over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$29,910 (2021) → $43,330 (2025)
Schenectady, NY
$51,634 (2024) → $43,162 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Schenectady, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Rochester or Schenectady?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Schenectady?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Schenectady as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Rochester vs Schenectady?
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