EMT salary
BLS occupation: Emergency Medical Technicians · Healthcare practitioners · data for May 2025
Median salary $44,470 a year, US
Median hourly pay $21.38 an hour
Middle half earn $37,960–$50,100 25th to 75th percentile
EMTs employed 180,510 +5.8% projected by 2035
How much does an EMT make?
- The median EMT salary in the US is $44,470 a year ($21.38 an hour): half of the 180,510 EMTs BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $46,830.
- The middle half earn between $37,960 and $50,100. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $34,130 and the top 10% more than $62,500.
- That is 13% less than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Hawaii pays EMTs the most (median $66,410), followed by Alaska ($57,440) and New Jersey ($53,610). Oklahoma pays the least ($34,170).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Hawaii, where the median is worth $60,400 in typical US prices, then Alaska and Wyoming.
- In 9 of the 298 metro areas with data, the median EMT salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of EMTs to grow 5.8% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 13,800 openings a year. The typical entry education is a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award).
official From BLS's survey of employers: what EMTs are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
EMT salary range
Half of EMTs earn between $37,960 and $50,100 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $34,130
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $37,960
Median Yearly pay: $44,470
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $50,100
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $62,500
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $34,130 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $37,960 |
| Median | $44,470 |
| Top 25% earn over | $50,100 |
| Top 10% earn over | $62,500 |
EMT salary by state
Hawaii pays EMTs the most; Oklahoma the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($44,470), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $66,410 median |
| Alaska | $57,440 median |
| New Jersey | $53,610 median |
| Washington | $52,690 median |
| Rhode Island | $51,290 median |
| Connecticut | $50,640 median |
| Massachusetts | $50,230 median |
| Oregon | $49,270 median |
| New York | $48,400 median |
| Maryland | $48,100 median |
| Minnesota | $48,090 median |
| Wyoming | $47,070 median |
| Delaware | $46,790 median |
| New Hampshire | $46,790 median |
| District of Columbia | $46,650 median |
| California | $46,380 median |
| Maine | $46,340 median |
| Colorado | $45,750 median |
| Vermont | $45,600 median |
| Georgia | $45,550 median |
| Virginia | $45,420 median |
| North Carolina | $44,250 median |
| Pennsylvania | $43,310 median |
| Wisconsin | $43,060 median |
| Indiana | $42,740 median |
| Illinois | $42,260 median |
| Missouri | $42,160 median |
| Nebraska | $41,710 median |
| Iowa | $40,660 median |
| South Carolina | $40,370 median |
| Tennessee | $40,330 median |
| Ohio | $40,220 median |
| Florida | $39,870 median |
| Michigan | $39,870 median |
| North Dakota | $39,670 median |
| Arizona | $39,500 median |
| Utah | $38,930 median |
| Idaho | $38,840 median |
| Alabama | $37,810 median |
| Nevada | $37,560 median |
| New Mexico | $37,550 median |
| Texas | $37,260 median |
| Kentucky | $36,800 median |
| South Dakota | $36,800 median |
| Mississippi | $36,630 median |
| Arkansas | $36,230 median |
| Montana | $36,140 median |
| Louisiana | $35,870 median |
| Kansas | $35,780 median |
| West Virginia | $34,360 median |
| Oklahoma | $34,170 median |
Where EMT pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
EMTs' pay goes furthest in Hawaii once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $60,400 |
| Alaska | $56,116 |
| Wyoming | $50,782 |
| Rhode Island | $50,147 |
| New Jersey | $49,272 |
| Washington | $49,237 |
| Connecticut | $48,876 |
| Minnesota | $48,762 |
| Maine | $47,749 |
| Oregon | $47,668 |
EMT pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $66,410 | $31.93 | $51,140 | $84,620 | 560 | $60,400 |
| Alaska | $57,440 | $27.62 | $44,400 | $81,150 | 310 | $56,116 |
| New Jersey | $53,610 | $25.77 | $45,550 | $64,740 | 6,120 | $49,272 |
| Washington | $52,690 | $25.33 | $37,290 | $60,960 | 2,940 | $49,237 |
| Rhode Island | $51,290 | $24.66 | $39,360 | $61,160 | 430 | $50,147 |
| Connecticut | $50,640 | $24.35 | $40,160 | $59,610 | 2,190 | $48,876 |
| Massachusetts | $50,230 | $24.15 | $40,140 | $69,830 | 4,550 | $47,496 |
| Oregon | $49,270 | $23.69 | $37,600 | $63,430 | 1,970 | $47,668 |
| New York | $48,400 | $23.27 | $39,890 | $69,210 | 14,840 | $44,848 |
| Maryland | $48,100 | $23.13 | $39,960 | $85,290 | 3,400 | $45,827 |
| Minnesota | $48,090 | $23.12 | $31,340 | $59,220 | 3,160 | $48,762 |
| Wyoming | $47,070 | $22.63 | $30,480 | $53,930 | 400 | $50,782 |
| Delaware | $46,790 | $22.50 | $39,060 | $57,660 | 950 | $46,880 |
| New Hampshire | $46,790 | $22.50 | $37,320 | $59,670 | 1,010 | $44,919 |
| District of Columbia | $46,650 | $22.43 | $39,310 | $73,670 | 370 | $42,447 |
| California | $46,380 | $22.30 | $38,740 | $78,150 | 21,880 | $41,889 |
| Maine | $46,340 | $22.28 | $38,210 | $58,100 | 1,110 | $47,749 |
| Colorado | $45,750 | $22.00 | $38,370 | $58,320 | 3,060 | $44,395 |
| Vermont | $45,600 | $21.92 | $36,770 | $57,700 | 790 | $46,551 |
| Georgia | $45,550 | $21.90 | $33,910 | $52,600 | 6,260 | $47,304 |
| Virginia | $45,420 | $21.84 | $36,540 | $59,180 | 4,490 | $44,924 |
| North Carolina | $44,250 | $21.27 | $35,190 | $59,750 | 6,680 | $46,912 |
| Pennsylvania | $43,310 | $20.82 | $34,480 | $54,370 | 10,160 | $44,388 |
| Wisconsin | $43,060 | $20.70 | $33,550 | $60,910 | 3,930 | $45,762 |
| Indiana | $42,740 | $20.55 | $36,170 | $50,640 | 4,160 | $45,795 |
| Illinois | $42,260 | $20.32 | $36,420 | $135,490 | 7,840 | $42,278 |
| Missouri | $42,160 | $20.27 | $34,390 | $58,090 | 2,800 | $46,423 |
| Nebraska | $41,710 | $20.05 | $35,060 | $68,670 | 540 | $46,291 |
| Iowa | $40,660 | $19.55 | $35,600 | $60,080 | 1,510 | $46,330 |
| South Carolina | $40,370 | $19.41 | $31,590 | $49,210 | 4,010 | $43,062 |
| Tennessee | $40,330 | $19.39 | $29,720 | $59,370 | 3,860 | $43,899 |
| Ohio | $40,220 | $19.34 | $34,940 | $53,960 | 5,560 | $43,353 |
| Florida | $39,870 | $19.17 | $34,120 | $59,000 | 6,060 | $38,554 |
| Michigan | $39,870 | $19.17 | $35,360 | $49,620 | 4,230 | $41,438 |
| North Dakota | $39,670 | $19.07 | $31,890 | $54,100 | 760 | $44,594 |
| Arizona | $39,500 | $18.99 | $33,860 | $50,790 | 3,970 | $39,234 |
| Utah | $38,930 | $18.72 | $31,410 | $48,240 | 1,280 | $39,377 |
| Idaho | $38,840 | $18.67 | $27,180 | $51,140 | 780 | $40,673 |
| Alabama | $37,810 | $18.18 | $28,620 | $51,160 | 2,020 | $42,568 |
| Nevada | $37,560 | $18.06 | $29,060 | $59,000 | 1,530 | $37,568 |
| New Mexico | $37,550 | $18.05 | $32,370 | $55,500 | 1,260 | $40,721 |
| Texas | $37,260 | $17.91 | $30,320 | $52,160 | 12,770 | $38,390 |
| Kentucky | $36,800 | $17.69 | $29,800 | $49,950 | 2,770 | $40,817 |
| South Dakota | $36,800 | $17.69 | $31,130 | $48,460 | 600 | $41,542 |
| Mississippi | $36,630 | $17.61 | $26,760 | $48,290 | 1,390 | $42,126 |
| Arkansas | $36,230 | $17.42 | $28,370 | $49,910 | 1,120 | $41,674 |
| Montana | $36,140 | $17.38 | $27,280 | $46,310 | 860 | $38,185 |
| Louisiana | $35,870 | $17.25 | $27,390 | $46,460 | 2,450 | $40,666 |
| Kansas | $35,780 | $17.20 | $28,560 | $53,710 | 1,510 | $39,726 |
| West Virginia | $34,360 | $16.52 | $29,120 | $45,350 | 900 | $38,392 |
| Oklahoma | $34,170 | $16.43 | $27,840 | $45,630 | 2,410 | $38,899 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
EMT salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes EMT pay: 301 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Lexington Park, MD $68,160
- Honolulu, HI $67,050
- Redding, CA $60,120
- Trenton, NJ $56,430
- Seattle, WA $55,700
- Bridgeport, CT $54,990
- San Jose, CA $54,650
- Bismarck, ND $53,940
- Wilmington, NC $53,850
- New York, NY $53,820
Where the pay goes furthest
- Lexington Park, MD $67,646
- Honolulu, HI $60,427
- Redding, CA $59,712
- Bismarck, ND $59,259
- Morristown, TN $59,052
- Iowa City, IA $57,054
- Wilmington, NC $55,848
- Rochester, MN $55,130
- Vineland, NJ $55,112
- Auburn, AL $54,826
All 301 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lexington Park, MD | $68,160 | 80 | $67,646 | 36% |
| Honolulu, HI | $67,050 | 460 | $60,427 | 54% |
| Redding, CA | $60,120 | 80 | $59,712 | 33% |
| Trenton, NJ | $56,430 | 130 | $54,691 | 54% |
| Seattle, WA | $55,700 | 1,290 | $50,120 | 48% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $54,990 | 270 | $51,458 | 63% |
| San Jose, CA | $54,650 | 830 | $49,492 | 84% |
| Bismarck, ND | $53,940 | 80 | $59,259 | 29% |
| Wilmington, NC | $53,850 | 240 | $55,848 | 39% |
| New York, NY | $53,820 | 13,780 | $47,813 | 79% |
| New Haven, CT | $53,440 | 490 | $51,110 | 46% |
| Vineland, NJ | $52,890 | 150 | $55,112 | 37% |
| Waterbury, CT | $52,440 | 270 | $52,557 | – |
| Iowa City, IA | $52,210 | 70 | $57,054 | 40% |
| Portland, OR | $52,010 | 1,040 | $49,336 | 42% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $51,970 | 70 | $47,290 | 80% |
| Olympia, WA | $51,760 | 140 | $49,928 | 47% |
| San Francisco, CA | $51,480 | 3,580 | $44,528 | 80% |
| Anchorage, AK | $51,130 | 160 | $48,501 | 44% |
| Morristown, TN | $51,000 | 100 | $59,052 | 37% |
| Salem, OR | $50,800 | 210 | $49,012 | 39% |
| Boston, MA | $50,560 | 3,410 | $46,700 | 71% |
| Worcester, MA | $50,560 | 440 | $49,316 | 50% |
| Rochester, MN | $50,070 | 250 | $55,130 | 38% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $49,970 | 1,490 | $47,671 | 42% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $49,870 | 100 | $48,019 | 42% |
| Sacramento, CA | $49,550 | 1,250 | $46,452 | 55% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $49,490 | 70 | $52,641 | 33% |
| Napa, CA | $49,340 | 120 | $43,837 | 71% |
| Washington, DC | $49,250 | 1,730 | $45,232 | 59% |
| Burlington, NC | $49,180 | 190 | $52,771 | 33% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $49,160 | 70 | $53,643 | 28% |
| Raleigh, NC | $49,160 | 600 | $50,083 | 41% |
| Norwich, CT | $48,890 | 190 | $48,673 | 52% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $48,880 | 830 | $50,425 | 38% |
| Lakeland, FL | $48,510 | 150 | $49,938 | 45% |
| Clarksville, TN | $48,480 | 120 | $53,306 | 33% |
| Medford, OR | $48,460 | 170 | $47,775 | 46% |
| Hartford, CT | $48,440 | 670 | $47,145 | 49% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $48,400 | 500 | $44,232 | 56% |
| Baltimore, MD | $48,330 | 2,140 | $46,255 | 48% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $48,320 | 100 | $52,120 | 41% |
| Manchester, NH | $48,250 | 250 | $45,667 | 54% |
| Burlington, VT | $48,230 | 180 | $47,777 | 64% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $48,220 | – | $47,682 | 49% |
| Auburn, AL | $48,210 | 110 | $54,826 | 40% |
| Nashville, TN | $47,990 | 930 | $49,814 | 45% |
| Philadelphia, PA | $47,790 | 4,970 | $46,600 | 48% |
| Portland, ME | $47,780 | 350 | $46,908 | 58% |
| Gainesville, GA | $47,710 | 150 | $49,305 | 43% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $47,660 | 270 | $47,241 | 46% |
| Spokane, WA | $47,560 | 300 | $47,396 | 38% |
| Atlanta, GA | $47,500 | 3,090 | $47,472 | 47% |
| Salinas, CA | $47,370 | 130 | $43,442 | 70% |
| Providence, RI | $47,310 | 710 | $46,486 | 55% |
| Richmond, VA | $47,290 | – | $48,325 | 43% |
| Modesto, CA | $47,160 | 440 | $45,299 | 53% |
| Appleton, WI | $47,130 | 70 | $50,996 | 30% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $47,060 | 380 | $47,604 | 52% |
| Lewiston, ME | $46,850 | 80 | $49,453 | 41% |
| North Port, FL | $46,690 | 150 | $45,588 | 54% |
| Kennewick, WA | $46,480 | 110 | $46,443 | 44% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $46,440 | 100 | $50,045 | 30% |
| Durham, NC | $46,330 | 340 | $47,483 | 42% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $46,320 | 1,220 | $48,403 | 40% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $46,300 | 80 | $50,338 | 38% |
| Naples, FL | $46,220 | 90 | $44,787 | 68% |
| La Crosse, WI | $46,200 | 120 | $50,344 | 35% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $46,180 | 400 | $45,856 | 46% |
| Hickory, NC | $46,020 | 370 | $52,008 | 42% |
| Ames, IA | $46,000 | 30 | $51,784 | 30% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $45,900 | 690 | $46,865 | 49% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $45,860 | 60 | $48,033 | 45% |
| Macon, GA | $45,780 | 250 | $51,712 | 32% |
| Rockford, IL | $45,760 | 70 | $49,656 | 34% |
| Denver, CO | $45,750 | 1,510 | $43,249 | 50% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $45,750 | 350 | $42,446 | 70% |
| Austin, TX | $45,740 | 880 | $46,642 | 42% |
| Oxnard, CA | $45,710 | 340 | $41,354 | 78% |
| Springfield, MA | $45,600 | 270 | $47,470 | 52% |
| Charlotte, NC | $45,550 | 1,210 | $46,791 | 46% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $45,330 | 90 | $47,663 | 47% |
| Kingston, NY | $45,280 | 150 | $44,961 | 53% |
| Louisville, KY | $45,210 | 800 | $48,574 | 36% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $45,190 | 120 | $41,613 | 74% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $45,090 | 6,610 | $39,704 | 78% |
| Green Bay, WI | $45,080 | 150 | $48,428 | 30% |
| Albany, GA | $45,070 | 130 | $51,409 | 29% |
| Augusta, GA | $45,060 | 350 | $49,030 | 39% |
| Dover, DE | $45,060 | 160 | $46,212 | 47% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $44,860 | 480 | $48,738 | 41% |
| Bangor, ME | $44,810 | 160 | $46,431 | 40% |
| Boulder, CO | $44,660 | 150 | $42,452 | 59% |
| Charleston, SC | $44,630 | 780 | $44,205 | 55% |
| Cleveland, OH | $44,480 | 970 | $47,358 | 39% |
| College Station, TX | $44,420 | 50 | $48,839 | 41% |
| Greensboro, NC | $44,250 | 370 | $47,650 | 38% |
| Greenville, NC | $44,220 | 200 | $50,021 | 40% |
| Lancaster, PA | $44,200 | 320 | $44,984 | 43% |
| Midland, TX | $44,140 | 50 | $46,083 | 43% |
| Madison, WI | $44,130 | 520 | $45,361 | 48% |
| Albany, NY | $44,120 | 780 | $44,312 | 46% |
| Reading, PA | $44,100 | 330 | $45,436 | 42% |
| Syracuse, NY | $44,090 | 490 | $46,051 | 44% |
| Chicago, IL | $44,020 | 5,610 | $42,492 | 59% |
| Columbia, MO | $43,980 | 80 | $49,174 | 40% |
| Springfield, MO | $43,700 | 280 | $49,331 | 34% |
| Asheville, NC | $43,690 | 140 | $45,272 | 47% |
| Lexington, KY | $43,660 | 240 | $47,002 | 44% |
| San Diego, CA | $43,620 | 1,750 | $38,986 | 82% |
| Tampa, FL | $43,540 | 1,040 | $43,156 | 55% |
| Riverside, CA | $43,500 | 2,340 | $40,867 | 70% |
| Waterloo, IA | $43,500 | 60 | $49,967 | 28% |
| Yuba City, CA | $43,470 | 90 | $41,705 | 56% |
| Stockton, CA | $43,450 | 390 | $41,346 | 67% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $43,380 | 180 | $44,150 | 52% |
| Rochester, NY | $43,330 | 650 | $44,654 | 42% |
| Greeley, CO | $43,300 | 80 | $43,224 | 47% |
| Eugene, OR | $43,280 | 150 | $42,612 | 49% |
| Canton, OH | $43,270 | 160 | $48,397 | 32% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $43,240 | 2,000 | $45,674 | 41% |
| Reno, NV | $43,220 | 310 | $42,786 | 57% |
| Utica, NY | $43,060 | 230 | $46,462 | 40% |
| Pensacola, FL | $42,990 | 200 | $43,994 | 48% |
| Staunton, VA | $42,990 | 130 | $47,175 | 40% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $42,790 | 190 | $45,106 | 40% |
| Binghamton, NY | $42,720 | 160 | $46,003 | 45% |
| Kansas City, MO | $42,670 | 500 | $46,108 | 43% |
| Salisbury, MD | $42,670 | 80 | $44,626 | 55% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $42,640 | 260 | $46,061 | 36% |
| Crestview, FL | $42,500 | 150 | $43,800 | 56% |
| Des Moines, IA | $42,470 | 280 | $46,314 | 36% |
| Akron, OH | $42,440 | 240 | $45,454 | 37% |
| Lebanon, PA | $42,440 | 130 | $45,530 | 41% |
| Greenville, SC | $42,310 | 540 | $45,368 | 44% |
| Columbia, SC | $42,290 | 770 | $45,152 | 44% |
| Detroit, MI | $42,050 | 1,450 | $41,925 | 43% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $42,010 | 340 | $41,644 | 55% |
| St. Louis, MO | $41,910 | 1,550 | $44,075 | 41% |
| Ithaca, NY | $41,710 | 50 | $40,371 | 57% |
| Sioux City, IA | $41,710 | 80 | $48,245 | 37% |
| Roanoke, VA | $41,690 | 170 | $44,532 | 40% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $41,670 | 110 | $45,614 | 45% |
| Kokomo, IN | $41,670 | 40 | $46,482 | 32% |
| Buffalo, NY | $41,580 | 520 | $43,383 | 42% |
| Columbus, OH | $41,520 | 760 | $43,491 | 44% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $41,410 | 100 | $44,007 | 45% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $41,390 | 270 | $45,253 | 44% |
| Omaha, NE | $41,350 | 250 | $44,989 | 41% |
| Savannah, GA | $41,320 | 210 | $43,401 | 51% |
| Dubuque, IA | $41,260 | 40 | $47,247 | 31% |
| Watertown, NY | $41,190 | 110 | $46,972 | 44% |
| South Bend, IN | $41,170 | 90 | $44,337 | 37% |
| Bloomington, IL | $41,070 | 80 | $43,908 | 38% |
| Allentown, PA | $41,000 | 670 | $41,013 | 54% |
| Brunswick, GA | $40,770 | 80 | $46,484 | 49% |
| Racine, WI | $40,700 | 80 | $42,413 | 43% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $40,480 | 140 | $45,994 | 38% |
| Pueblo, CO | $40,460 | 100 | $44,092 | 39% |
| Montgomery, AL | $40,440 | 150 | $45,093 | 41% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $40,310 | 110 | $40,218 | 69% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $40,270 | 360 | $42,147 | 44% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $40,190 | 80 | $40,692 | 58% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $40,160 | 150 | $45,142 | 37% |
| Miami, FL | $40,100 | 1,110 | $35,128 | 79% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $39,980 | 580 | $43,909 | 44% |
| Lansing, MI | $39,940 | 190 | $42,046 | 39% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $39,910 | 750 | $41,848 | 46% |
| Toledo, OH | $39,850 | 250 | $43,573 | 38% |
| El Centro, CA | $39,840 | 50 | $41,860 | 54% |
| Davenport, IA | $39,830 | 160 | $44,713 | 30% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $39,830 | 90 | $40,636 | 59% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $39,760 | 130 | $40,102 | 62% |
| Joplin, MO | $39,670 | 80 | $46,280 | 38% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $39,580 | 70 | $39,484 | – |
| York, PA | $39,580 | 340 | $41,229 | 42% |
| Gainesville, FL | $39,560 | 110 | $40,896 | 50% |
| Williamsport, PA | $39,560 | 110 | $42,837 | 33% |
| Visalia, CA | $39,530 | 170 | $39,599 | 53% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $39,500 | 2,840 | $38,232 | 52% |
| Mobile, AL | $39,490 | 90 | $44,825 | 39% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $39,490 | 130 | $42,105 | 46% |
| Florence, SC | $39,440 | 310 | $45,451 | 46% |
| Rapid City, SD | $39,440 | 150 | $44,235 | 44% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $39,400 | 600 | $39,061 | 50% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $39,310 | – | $36,131 | 100% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $39,220 | 350 | $38,320 | 56% |
| Jackson, TN | $39,180 | 120 | $45,813 | 43% |
| Fargo, ND | $39,160 | 80 | $43,094 | 34% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $39,150 | 590 | $39,686 | 45% |
| Wausau, WI | $39,150 | 70 | $42,255 | 29% |
| Boise, ID | $39,120 | 320 | $39,760 | 59% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $39,120 | 530 | $40,944 | 50% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $39,120 | 540 | $39,323 | 52% |
| Lafayette, IN | $39,070 | 140 | $41,817 | 45% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $39,020 | 250 | $41,546 | 45% |
| Topeka, KS | $38,960 | 220 | $43,864 | 39% |
| Traverse City, MI | $38,950 | 70 | $41,715 | 57% |
| Birmingham, AL | $38,920 | 420 | $42,469 | 43% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $38,900 | 60 | $41,541 | 53% |
| Houston, TX | $38,890 | 2,680 | $39,431 | 51% |
| Dayton, OH | $38,830 | 360 | $41,891 | 41% |
| Tucson, AZ | $38,820 | 360 | $40,064 | 46% |
| Fresno, CA | $38,740 | 710 | $37,922 | 64% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $38,680 | 50 | $44,778 | 31% |
| Springfield, IL | $38,650 | 110 | $41,673 | 37% |
| Memphis, TN | $38,620 | 860 | $41,897 | 43% |
| Billings, MT | $38,570 | 40 | $41,240 | 43% |
| Orlando, FL | $38,510 | – | $37,972 | 60% |
| Ocala, FL | $38,480 | 90 | $40,406 | 50% |
| Daphne, AL | $38,470 | 60 | $40,627 | 53% |
| Athens, GA | $38,440 | 170 | $41,181 | 55% |
| Columbus, GA | $38,400 | 210 | $43,003 | 42% |
| Flint, MI | $38,380 | 140 | $41,254 | 33% |
| Knoxville, TN | $38,330 | 560 | $41,407 | 54% |
| Janesville, WI | $38,320 | 60 | $40,895 | 40% |
| Abilene, TX | $38,290 | 100 | $42,373 | 62% |
| Missoula, MT | $38,190 | 120 | $39,598 | 51% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $38,130 | 40 | $41,397 | 49% |
| Panama City, FL | $38,020 | 50 | $39,077 | 55% |
| Deltona, FL | $38,000 | 160 | $38,242 | 56% |
| Bloomington, IN | $37,970 | 40 | $39,933 | 55% |
| Scranton, PA | $37,940 | 480 | $40,553 | 43% |
| Dallas, TX | $37,900 | 3,000 | $36,764 | 53% |
| Sandusky, OH | $37,880 | 80 | $42,428 | 57% |
| Sherman, TX | $37,880 | 90 | $40,396 | 43% |
| Peoria, IL | $37,870 | 450 | $41,510 | 37% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $37,840 | 90 | $37,717 | 67% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $37,840 | 190 | $40,182 | 51% |
| State College, PA | $37,800 | 110 | $39,065 | 62% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $37,720 | – | $39,772 | 41% |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $37,680 | 60 | $42,222 | 41% |
| Slidell, LA | $37,680 | 70 | $40,636 | – |
| Erie, PA | $37,650 | 190 | $41,396 | 36% |
| Ogden, UT | $37,630 | 90 | $37,499 | 52% |
| Sumter, SC | $37,630 | 60 | $42,752 | 47% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $37,600 | 90 | $41,695 | 39% |
| Youngstown, OH | $37,590 | 180 | $43,012 | 33% |
| Little Rock, AR | $37,530 | 240 | $41,997 | 39% |
| Elkhart, IN | $37,440 | 110 | $41,450 | 38% |
| Evansville, IN | $37,440 | 120 | $40,906 | 35% |
| Gulfport, MS | $37,440 | 120 | $41,597 | 46% |
| Tyler, TX | $37,410 | 140 | $40,594 | 42% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $37,390 | 150 | $42,667 | 42% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $37,390 | 80 | $42,623 | 54% |
| San Antonio, TX | $37,160 | 1,100 | $39,233 | 46% |
| Paducah, KY | $37,140 | 80 | $43,144 | 37% |
| Provo, UT | $37,080 | 120 | $37,747 | 57% |
| Laredo, TX | $37,040 | 130 | $42,596 | 37% |
| Farmington, NM | $37,020 | 110 | $42,209 | 45% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $36,900 | 1,030 | $36,821 | 56% |
| Wichita, KS | $36,860 | 270 | $41,441 | 39% |
| Jackson, MS | $36,800 | 450 | $41,326 | 48% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $36,800 | 120 | $40,604 | 41% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $36,770 | 100 | $41,796 | 33% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $36,740 | 150 | $40,726 | 48% |
| Kingsport, TN | $36,680 | 220 | $42,431 | 44% |
| Bend, OR | $36,630 | 60 | $35,355 | 73% |
| Johnson City, TN | $36,620 | 120 | $41,648 | 49% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $36,370 | 60 | $40,631 | 43% |
| Amarillo, TX | $36,300 | 160 | $39,534 | 43% |
| Houma, LA | $36,290 | 70 | $42,642 | 43% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $36,260 | 80 | $42,235 | 45% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $36,120 | 280 | $38,977 | 47% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $36,050 | 430 | $39,711 | 45% |
| Duluth, MN | $36,050 | 150 | $40,611 | 44% |
| Decatur, AL | $36,030 | 50 | $41,313 | 36% |
| Lincoln, NE | $35,820 | 40 | $39,113 | 43% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $35,800 | 90 | $37,827 | 45% |
| Springfield, OH | $35,740 | 120 | $39,500 | 40% |
| Alexandria, LA | $35,680 | 100 | $41,640 | 35% |
| Huntington, WV | $35,630 | 160 | $40,295 | 37% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $35,630 | 640 | $39,410 | 47% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $35,550 | 50 | $41,300 | 34% |
| Waco, TX | $35,550 | 90 | $38,412 | 48% |
| Johnstown, PA | $35,300 | 170 | $41,080 | 30% |
| Florence, AL | $35,260 | 80 | $41,572 | 37% |
| Weirton, WV | $35,250 | 70 | $39,596 | 28% |
| Wheeling, WV | $35,250 | 80 | $39,910 | 29% |
| New Orleans, LA | $35,180 | 420 | $37,993 | 54% |
| Lubbock, TX | $35,130 | 180 | $38,470 | 45% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $34,830 | 80 | $40,628 | 43% |
| Beaumont, TX | $34,750 | 230 | $38,591 | 45% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $34,680 | 60 | $40,384 | 43% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $34,680 | 100 | $34,678 | 65% |
| Niles, MI | $34,640 | 30 | $37,501 | 49% |
| Monroe, LA | $34,230 | 120 | $40,946 | 41% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $33,980 | 80 | $40,547 | 41% |
| Brownsville, TX | $33,820 | 100 | $39,337 | 54% |
| El Paso, TX | $33,820 | 470 | $37,615 | 54% |
| Victoria, TX | $33,770 | 60 | $37,589 | 42% |
| McAllen, TX | $33,620 | 590 | $39,141 | 40% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $33,610 | 50 | $35,959 | 63% |
| Anniston, AL | $33,150 | 90 | $38,569 | 35% |
| Morgantown, WV | $32,950 | 60 | $35,307 | 49% |
| Dothan, AL | $32,920 | 100 | $39,269 | 44% |
| Charleston, WV | $32,850 | 80 | $37,028 | 44% |
| Beckley, WV | $32,590 | 80 | $36,879 | 38% |
| Longview, TX | $32,290 | 160 | $36,084 | 43% |
| Shreveport, LA | $31,610 | 230 | $37,291 | 49% |
| Tulsa, OK | $28,350 | 460 | $31,778 | 58% |
What the median EMT salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $44,470 |
| Month | $3,706 |
| Every two weeks | $1,710 |
| Week | $855 |
| Hour | $21.38 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming an EMT: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | None |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +5.8% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 13,800 |
| Self-employed | % |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Ultrasound tech | $96,590 | Associate's degree |
| Vet tech | $47,380 | Associate's degree |
| Speech-language pathologist | $97,870 | Master's degree |
| Medical lab tech | $62,930 | Bachelor's degree |
| Physician assistant | $135,880 | Master's degree |
| Nurse practitioner | $132,300 | Master's degree |
| MRI tech | $95,480 | Associate's degree |
| Radiology tech | $80,110 | Associate's degree |
Questions about EMT pay
How much does an EMT make an hour?
The median is $21.38 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $16.41 and the top 10% over $30.05.
How much does an EMT make a month?
About $3,706 a month before taxes at the median salary of $44,470, or $1,710 every two weeks.
What state pays EMTs the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $66,410. Alaska ($57,440), New Jersey ($53,610), Washington ($52,690) and Rhode Island ($51,290) follow.
Where do EMTs make the most after cost of living?
Hawaii: its median of $66,410 is worth $60,400 at typical US prices. Alaska, Wyoming and Rhode Island come next.
How much do entry-level EMTs make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of EMTs earn under $34,130 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $37,960, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become an EMT?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a postsecondary certificate (a nondegree award). Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: none.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 29-2042 (Emergency Medical Technicians). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.