Smyrna vs Wilmington: Emergency Medical Technician Salary (2026)
Compare emergency medical technician salaries between Smyrna, DE and Wilmington, DE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Smyrna, DE | Wilmington, DE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,338 | $51,435▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.31 | $24.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,169 | $39,012▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,398 | $43,172▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $48,630 | $57,045▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,379 | $70,145▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 10▲ |
Verdict
Wilmington, DE offers better overall compensation for emergency medical technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Smyrna and Wilmington is $7,097 (16.01%). Wilmington's median is +9.30% compared to the US national median of $47,058.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Smyrna spans $21,210,Wilmington spans $31,133. 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 ($50,575 effective) pays 16.01% more than Smyrna ($43,597 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,435/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,145)
- ✓Larger job market (10 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,575)
- ✓You prefer the Delaware area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, emergency medical technician salaries in Smyrna grew 11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 18.7% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Smyrna, DE
$37,687 (2024) → $41,899 (2025)
Wilmington, DE
$40,961 (2024) → $48,606 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Smyrna, DE
Wilmington, DE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays emergency medical technicians more: Smyrna or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Smyrna and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Smyrna to Wilmington as a emergency medical technician?
What do entry-level emergency medical technicians earn in Smyrna vs Wilmington?
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