Salem vs Virginia Beach: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Salem, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,601 | $48,571▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.93 | $23.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,290 | $39,577▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,676▲ | $40,667 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,815 | $51,799▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $60,387▲ | $58,063 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Virginia Beach is $2,970 (6.51%). Virginia Beach's median is +3.22% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $26,097,Virginia Beach spans $18,486. Salem 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, Virginia Beach ($49,592 effective) pays 12.23% more than Salem ($44,187 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($60,387)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,571/year)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,592)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Salem grew 13.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
Salem, VA
$38,023 (2024) → $43,093 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$36,360 (2021) → $45,900 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Salem or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from Salem to Virginia Beach as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Salem vs Virginia Beach?
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