Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,868 | $51,026▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.49 | $24.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,518▲ | $34,063 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,518 | $46,381▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $53,026▲ | $51,545 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,698 | $54,931▲ |
| Total Employed | 400 | N/A |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins is $2,158 (4.42%). Fort Collins's median is +8.43% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $12,180,Fort Collins spans $20,868. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($50,457 effective) pays 3.98% more than Colorado Springs ($48,525 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,026/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($54,931)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,457)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Colorado Springs grew 27.7% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 29.3% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$36,150 (2021) → $46,180 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$37,300 (2021) → $48,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Colorado Springs or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Colorado Springs vs Fort Collins?
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