Tucson vs Yuma: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Tucson, AZ and Yuma, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tucson, AZ | Yuma, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,079 | $41,754▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $19.75 | $20.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,503▲ | $30,498 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,905 | $36,674▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,153 | $46,281▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,122 | $57,110▲ |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 24 |
Verdict
Yuma, AZ offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucson.
The salary gap between Tucson and Yuma is $675 (1.64%). Yuma's median is -11.27% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tucson spans $19,619,Yuma spans $26,612. Yuma 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, Tucson ($42,395 effective) pays 0.01% more than Yuma ($42,390 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $42,395)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Yuma if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,754/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($57,110)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Tucson grew 11.4% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -0.6% growth in Yuma over the same period.
Tucson, AZ
$34,840 (2021) → $38,820 (2025)
Yuma, AZ
$39,700 (2024) → $39,458 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Tucson or Yuma?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tucson and Yuma?
Should I relocate from Tucson to Yuma as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Tucson vs Yuma?
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