Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Salary
Estimated Pay by Experience Level
Salary by State
Median annual| State | Median / yr | Relative pay |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $48,969 | |
| New York | $46,860 | |
| Washington | $46,750 | |
| Massachusetts | $46,029 | |
| California | $45,271 | |
| Hawaii | $42,704 | |
| Connecticut | $42,669 | |
| New Jersey | $42,271 | |
| National Median | $38,930 |
How to Become a Emergency Medical Technician
Emergency medical technicians respond to emergency calls, provide medical care, and transport patients to hospitals.
Meet the education requirement
Most EMTs enter the field with postsecondary certificate. Programs are offered by community colleges, trade schools, and universities.
Complete an accredited training program
Hands-on coursework and clinical or field experience prepare you for the work and for certification exams.
Earn the NREMT certification
Most employers expect this credential — and in many states it's required to practice. Entry pay starts near $25,694 and rises toward $56,838 with experience.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) salary: common questions
How much does a Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) make an hour?
The median hourly wage for EMTs is $18.72, which works out to about $38,930 per year for full-time work.
Which state pays EMTs the most?
District of Columbia has the highest median pay for EMTs at $48,969 per year — 26% above the national median of $38,930.
What is the salary range for EMTs?
Most EMTs earn between $25,694 and $56,838 per year. The middle 50% earn $31,533 to $48,273, with a median of $38,930.
Is becoming a Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) a good career?
Employment is projected to grow 5% (faster than average), and the role typically requires postsecondary certificate. With a median wage of $38,930 per year, it pays well above the U.S. median for all occupations.