Salem vs Tigard: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Salem, OR and Tigard, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tigard, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,757▲ | $49,856 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.84▲ | $23.97 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,159 | $38,957▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,280 | $42,742▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,704▲ | $56,146 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,693 | $69,475▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tigard.
The salary gap between Salem and Tigard is $3,901 (7.82%). Salem's median is +14.24% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $27,534,Tigard spans $30,518. Tigard 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, Salem ($51,864 effective) pays 6.73% more than Tigard ($48,593 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,757/year)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,864)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Tigard if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,475)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Salem grew 41.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -1.6% growth in Tigard over the same period.
Salem, OR
$36,030 (2021) → $50,800 (2025)
Tigard, OR
$47,880 (2024) → $47,114 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tigard, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Salem or Tigard?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tigard?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tigard as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Salem vs Tigard?
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