Entry-Level Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Biloxi, MS: $30,996 (2026)
Quick Answer:New emergency medical technicians entering the Biloxi, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,996 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2042, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Biloxi's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,168 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,087) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

For new graduates entering the field of emergency medical services in Biloxi, Mississippi, the starting emergency medical technician salary is projected to be around $30,996 in 2026. While this may seem low when compared to the city’s median annual salary of $40,087, it provides a realistic starting point for early-career EMTs. New EMTs typically see growth from their entry-level pay, advancing to about $33,906 within a few years as they gain valuable experience. Despite the current starting wages, Biloxi remains a viable market for new graduates; with a strong demand for EMT services and a growth trajectory of 5.82% leading into the next several years, there are opportunities for salary increases that can help close the gap with more experienced professionals.
About the Biloxi Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($28,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Biloxi
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Biloxi
Entry-level emergency medical technicians in Biloxi, MS typically start between $30,996 and $33,906 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $23,140 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,087 — 14.81% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average emergency medical services program cost in Mississippi of $1,200 represents just 3.87% of the starting emergency medical technician pay ($30,996/year) in Biloxi. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on CoAEMSP-recognized EMT certificate programs and state EMS office training data. Program length follows National EMS Education Standards (minimum ~150 hours). Tuition-only averages; state-subsidized programs through fire/EMS agencies may be lower.
EMT Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Biloxi
- 1Research the Biloxi market: entry-level emergency medical technician pay ranges from $30,996 to $33,906, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the emergency medical services field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Biloxi, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Biloxi for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Biloxi's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Emergency Medical Technician Compensation Range
The emergency medical technician wage spread in Biloxi is $23,140 ( 74.65%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,996, experienced hygienists can earn up to $54,136.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$20,271
2025 BLS Actual
$29,291
2026 Current Est.
$30,996
2021–2027 Growth
+61.8%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Biloxi (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $20,271 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,262 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,669 | Actual |
| 2024 | $18,023 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,996 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32,800 | Projected |
Entry-level emergency medical technician compensation (10th percentile) in Biloxi, MS grew 44.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,271 in 2021 to $29,291 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $32,800. New graduates entering the Biloxi job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Biloxi metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.82% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your emergency medical services Career in Biloxi
In Biloxi, various employers actively hire new graduates in the EMT sector, primarily private ambulance companies like AMR and GMR, which often provide rapid hiring processes and on-the-job training. Municipal fire departments also recruit cross-trained firefighter-EMTs, illustrating a reliable path for entry-level professionals, especially those completing fire academy training. New grads often need to complete a state-approved EMT-Basic course and obtain NREMT national registration to enhance their appeal to employers. Moving beyond basic certifications, pursuing advanced credentials such as an advanced EMT can lead to better pay, as private ambulance companies have struggled to keep up with inflation, making fire department EMTs substantially more lucrative due to union contracts. Realistically, early-career EMTs can expect a modest increase in their starting pay during their first 1-3 years, particularly when they explore opportunities within industrial sectors or emergency services that offer competitive compensation.
More salary data for Biloxi, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for emergency medical technicians in Biloxi in 2026?
How fast do emergency medical technician salaries grow in Biloxi?
Is emergency medical services school worth it in Biloxi?
What do new emergency medical technicians make right out of school in Biloxi?
How do I become a emergency medical technician in Mississippi?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new emergency medical services graduates. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Biloxi. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Biloxi is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for emergency medical technicians (SOC 29-2042).
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