As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Emergency Medical Technician in the United States is $40,063 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.
However, an Emergency Medical Technician's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Emergency Medical Technician'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 Emergency Medical Technician'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician | 1-3 years | $40,063 |
| Paramedic | 3-5 years | $48,144 |
| EMT/Paramedic 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 Emergency Medical Technicians. 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
|
$44,069 |
10%
|
|
Analysis
|
$43,268 |
8%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$43,268 |
8%
|
|
Physical Therapy
|
$42,867 |
7%
|
|
Acute Care
|
$42,066 |
5%
|
|
Installation
|
$42,066 |
5%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Emergency Medical Technicians 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 Emergency Medical Technician with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $35,949 and $38,283).
Emergency Medical Technician 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 Emergency Medical Technician'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 Emergency Medical Technician, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Fighter II | $62,695 | 56% |
| Paramedic | $48,144 | 20% |
| Police Sergeant | $83,548 | 109% |
Salaries for an Emergency Medical Technician 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 Emergency Medical Technician salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 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 Emergency Medical Technician and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Emergency Medical Technician job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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An Emergency Medical Technician's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Emergency Medical Technician earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Emergency Medical Technician is $50,531.
The highest pay for Emergency Medical Technician is $47,002.
The lowest pay for Emergency Medical Technician is $31,090.
Responds to emergency calls for medical assistance, assesses the situation, obtains a basic medical history and physical examination of the patient, and provides emergency care at the scene and during transit to the hospital. Utilizes necessary medical equipment to treat the patient and ascertains the extent of their injuries or illness. Communicates with the medical care facility receiving the patient about the patient's condition, status, and arrival time. May require registry in NREMT. Requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Requires Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Requires Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - Basic. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
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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