Normal vs Springfield: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Normal, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Normal, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,135▲ | $40,899 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.25▲ | $19.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,553 | $35,566▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,063 | $39,185▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,286 | $48,275▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,602 | $63,640▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Normal and Springfield are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Normal and Springfield is $1,236 (3.02%). Normal's median is -10.46% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Normal spans $27,049,Springfield spans $28,074. Springfield 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, Springfield ($44,098 effective) pays 1.62% more than Normal ($43,393 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Normal if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,135/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,640)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,098)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Normal grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Normal, IL
$39,539 (2024) → $39,818 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$29,270 (2021) → $38,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Normal, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Normal or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Normal and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Normal to Springfield as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Normal vs Springfield?
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