Virginia Beach vs Winchester: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Virginia Beach, VA and Winchester, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Virginia Beach, VA | Winchester, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,571▲ | $44,557 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.35▲ | $21.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,577▲ | $35,498 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,667▲ | $38,494 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,799▲ | $49,125 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,063 | $59,744▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Winchester.
The salary gap between Virginia Beach and Winchester is $4,014 (9.01%). 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 Virginia Beach spans $18,486,Winchester spans $24,246. Winchester 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, Virginia Beach ($49,592 effective) pays 14.86% more than Winchester ($43,175 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Winchester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($59,744)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Virginia Beach grew 26.2% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Winchester over the same period.
Virginia Beach, VA
$36,360 (2021) → $45,900 (2025)
Winchester, VA
$37,152 (2024) → $42,106 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Virginia Beach, VA
Winchester, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Virginia Beach or Winchester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Virginia Beach and Winchester?
Should I relocate from Virginia Beach to Winchester as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Virginia Beach vs Winchester?
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