Rochester vs Watertown: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Rochester, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,852▲ | $43,587 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.04▲ | $20.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,545▲ | $34,593 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,100▲ | $41,016 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,021▲ | $46,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,952▲ | $47,556 |
| Total Employed | 650▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $2,265 (5.20%). 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,Watertown spans $12,963. Watertown 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, Watertown ($49,706 effective) pays 5.19% more than Rochester ($47,253 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,952)
- ✓Larger job market (650 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,706)
- ✓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 43.0% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$29,910 (2021) → $43,330 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$28,800 (2021) → $41,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Rochester or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Watertown as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Rochester vs Watertown?
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