Sacramento vs Sunnyvale: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Sacramento, CA and Sunnyvale, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sacramento, CA | Sunnyvale, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $52,434 | $59,188▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.21 | $28.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,280 | $44,606▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,862 | $49,640▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,815▲ | $67,973 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,344▲ | $85,462 |
| Total Employed | 1,250▲ | 26 |
Verdict
Sacramento and Sunnyvale are closely matched on overall emergency medical technician compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Sacramento and Sunnyvale is $6,754 (12.88%). Sunnyvale's median is +25.78% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sacramento spans $48,064,Sunnyvale spans $40,856. Sacramento 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, Sunnyvale ($52,332 effective) pays 6.46% more than Sacramento ($49,155 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,344)
- ✓Larger job market (1,250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Sunnyvale if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,188/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,332)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Sacramento grew 31.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -14.6% growth in Sunnyvale over the same period.
Sacramento, CA
$37,740 (2021) → $49,550 (2025)
Sunnyvale, CA
$65,471 (2024) → $55,933 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sacramento, CA
Sunnyvale, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Sacramento or Sunnyvale?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sacramento and Sunnyvale?
Should I relocate from Sacramento to Sunnyvale as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Sacramento vs Sunnyvale?
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