Springfield vs Waukegan: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Springfield, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,899 | $43,523▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.66 | $20.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,566▲ | $32,625 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,185▲ | $36,242 |
| 75th Percentile | $48,275 | $48,868▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,640▲ | $63,338 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Springfield and Waukegan are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Springfield and Waukegan is $2,624 (6.42%). Waukegan's median is -7.51% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Springfield spans $28,074,Waukegan spans $30,713. Waukegan 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, Waukegan ($44,823 effective) pays 1.64% more than Springfield ($44,098 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,640)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,523/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,823)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Springfield grew 32.0% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 0.7% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$29,270 (2021) → $38,650 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$40,841 (2024) → $41,129 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Springfield or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Springfield and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Springfield to Waukegan as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Springfield vs Waukegan?
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