Fort Collins vs Pueblo: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Pueblo, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Pueblo, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,026▲ | $42,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.53▲ | $20.58 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,063 | $42,286▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,381▲ | $42,815 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,545▲ | $46,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $54,931 | $58,074▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 100 |
Verdict
Fort Collins and Pueblo are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Pueblo is $8,211 (19.18%). 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 Fort Collins spans $20,868,Pueblo spans $15,788. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($50,457 effective) pays 8.14% more than Pueblo ($46,659 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,026/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,457)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Pueblo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,074)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Fort Collins grew 29.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 51.4% growth in Pueblo over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$37,300 (2021) → $48,220 (2025)
Pueblo, CO
$26,720 (2021) → $40,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Pueblo, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Fort Collins or Pueblo?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Pueblo?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Pueblo as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Fort Collins vs Pueblo?
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