As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an EMT in the United States is $40,070 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, an EMT's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An EMT's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an EMT's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| EMT | 1-3 years | $40,063 |
| Critical Care Paramedic | 3-5 years | $48,144 |
| Emergency Response Team Supervisor | 5+ years | $65,471 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract EMTs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 7.49% |
| Installation | 2.59% |
| Cardiac | 1.81% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Repairing
|
$44,077 |
10%
|
|
Analysis
|
$43,276 |
8%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$43,276 |
8%
|
|
Physical Therapy
|
$42,875 |
7%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$42,074 |
5%
|
|
Installation
|
$42,074 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many EMTs enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an EMT with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $36,039 and $38,361).
EMT Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 60.6% |
| Associates | 19.6% |
| Bachelors | 16.7% |
| Masters | 1.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an EMT's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an EMT, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Firefighter/EMT II | $62,700 | 56% |
| Critical Care Paramedic | $48,200 | 20% |
| Police or Sheriff's Patrol Sergeant | $83,600 | 109% |
Salaries for an EMT can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $43,151 in 2023 to around $42,135 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of EMT salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $43,151 |
| 2024 | $42,944 |
| 2025 | $42,135 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for EMT and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current EMT job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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Being an EMT can be worth it financially, with salaries ranging from $34,200 to $43,200, and a mid-salary of $38,220. In addition to the salary, EMTs often receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, making it a stable career choice that can support a good standard of living.
Being an EMT involves significant risks, including high rates of injuries and fatalities. Hazards include lifting patients, exposure to illnesses, and working in emergency vehicles. Despite these challenges, EMTs earn a salary ranging from $34,200 to $43,200, with a median salary of $38,220, reflecting the demanding nature of the job.
To transition from EMT to paramedic, follow these steps: First, complete your EMT training, earning a salary ranging from $34,200 to $43,200. Next, gain sufficient work experience to qualify for paramedic school. Then, finish your paramedic training, including an externship, and finally, pass the paramedic exam to advance your career.
An EMT in America typically earns between $34,200 and $43,200 annually, with a mid-salary of around $38,220. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on experience and location, providing a clearer picture of EMT compensation compared to broader estimates.
While some paramedics may earn higher salaries depending on their location, the salary data indicates that EMTs typically earn between $34,200 and $43,200 annually. This means that reaching a six-figure salary as a paramedic is unlikely, as most fall within this range, with the average being around $38,220.
Paramedics assess patients' conditions and provide advanced life support during transport to hospitals. They undergo more extensive training than EMTs, allowing them to perform advanced procedures. EMTs typically earn between $34,200 and $43,200 annually, with a median salary of $38,220, reflecting their essential role in emergency medical services.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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