Cary vs Raleigh: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cary, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,773 | $52,021▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.89 | $25.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,733▲ | $38,836 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,770 | $46,931▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $57,726 | $60,053▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,994▲ | $68,540 |
| Total Employed | 44 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Cary.
The salary gap between Cary and Raleigh is $248 (0.48%). Raleigh's median is +10.55% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cary spans $34,261,Raleigh spans $29,704. Cary 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, Cary ($55,313 effective) pays 4.37% more than Raleigh ($52,998 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cary if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($74,994)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,313)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($52,021/year)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Cary grew 44.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.5% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Cary, NC
$33,871 (2024) → $48,926 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$36,830 (2021) → $49,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Cary or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cary and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Cary to Raleigh as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Cary vs Raleigh?
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