Dallas vs Waco: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Dallas, TX and Waco, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Waco, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $40,106▲ | $37,619 |
| Hourly Rate | $19.28▲ | $18.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,651▲ | $32,413 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,159▲ | $33,799 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,598▲ | $39,693 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,720▲ | $48,413 |
| Total Employed | 3,000▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Dallas, TX offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waco.
The salary gap between Dallas and Waco is $2,487 (6.61%). Dallas's median is -14.77% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dallas spans $23,069,Waco spans $16,000. Dallas 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, Waco ($40,647 effective) pays 4.48% more than Dallas ($38,904 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dallas if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($40,106/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,720)
- ✓Larger job market (3,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Waco if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $40,647)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Dallas grew 4.8% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 21.2% growth in Waco over the same period.
Dallas, TX
$36,150 (2021) → $37,900 (2025)
Waco, TX
$29,340 (2021) → $35,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Dallas or Waco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dallas and Waco?
Should I relocate from Dallas to Waco as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Dallas vs Waco?
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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