Raleigh vs Wilmington: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,021 | $56,984▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.01 | $27.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,836▲ | $38,307 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,931▲ | $38,307 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,053▲ | $56,984 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,540 | $69,016▲ |
| Total Employed | 600▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Wilmington, NC offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $4,963 (9.54%). Wilmington's median is +21.09% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $29,704,Wilmington spans $30,709. Wilmington 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, Wilmington ($59,099 effective) pays 11.51% 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 Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,984/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,016)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,099)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Raleigh grew 33.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 53.0% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$36,830 (2021) → $49,160 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$35,200 (2022) → $53,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wilmington as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Raleigh vs Wilmington?
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