Salem vs Woodburn: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Salem, OR and Woodburn, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Woodburn, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,757▲ | $50,440 |
| Hourly Rate | $25.84▲ | $24.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,159 | $39,187▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,280 | $42,800▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,704▲ | $56,003 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $65,693 | $68,212▲ |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Woodburn.
The salary gap between Salem and Woodburn is $3,317 (6.58%). 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,Woodburn spans $29,025. Woodburn 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 5.50% more than Woodburn ($49,162 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 Woodburn if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($68,212)
- ✓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 Woodburn over the same period.
Salem, OR
$36,030 (2021) → $50,800 (2025)
Woodburn, OR
$48,441 (2024) → $47,666 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Woodburn, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Salem or Woodburn?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Woodburn?
Should I relocate from Salem to Woodburn as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Salem vs Woodburn?
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