Entry-Level Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Derry, NH: $39,685 (2026)
Quick Answer:New emergency medical technicians entering the Derry, NH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,685 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2042, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derry's local price level (BEA RPP 107.3 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,985 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,463) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering a career as an emergency medical technician in Derry, New Hampshire, the starting emergency medical technician salary is projected to be approximately $39,685 in 2026. This figure signifies the beginning of a promising career path, as new graduates can expect to progressively increase their earnings with experience and dedication. The gap between this entry-level salary and the median annual salary of $48,463 illustrates the potential for income growth within the profession. Over the first few years, newcomers may realistically aim for earnings around $42,625 as they develop their skills and gain valuable experience in the field, positioning themselves well for future opportunities. With a projected growth rate of 5.82% annually, Derry appears to be a solid market for new graduates to establish their careers as emergency medical technicians.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derry
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 Derry
Entry-level emergency medical technicians in Derry, NH typically start between $39,685 and $42,625 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,366 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,463 — 2.99% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average emergency medical services program cost in New Hampshire of $4,000 represents just 10.08% of the starting emergency medical technician pay ($39,685/year) in Derry. 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 Derry
- 1Research the Derry market: entry-level emergency medical technician pay ranges from $39,685 to $42,625, 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 NH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derry, 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 Derry for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derry's moderate 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 Derry is $28,366 ( 71.48%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,685, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,051.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$25,954
2025 BLS Actual
$37,502
2026 Current Est.
$39,685
2021–2027 Growth
+61.8%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Derry (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $25,954 | Actual |
| 2022 | $31,063 | Actual |
| 2023 | $32,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,076 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,502 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,685 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,994 | Projected |
Entry-level emergency medical technician compensation (10th percentile) in Derry, NH grew 44.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,954 in 2021 to $37,502 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,994. New graduates entering the Derry job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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 Derry
In Derry, several employers actively seek new graduates to fill their ranks as emergency medical technicians. Large private ambulance companies such as AMR and GMR typically hire fresh EMTs, offering immediate opportunities with a focus on patient transport. Municipal fire departments also welcome new recruits who undergo cross-training, allowing them to work both as firefighters and EMTs. This dual role not only broadens skills but also often leads to significantly higher compensation. To enhance starting pay, new EMTs in NH should prioritize completing a state-approved EMT-Basic course, obtaining NREMT national registration, and securing state EMT certification. For those considering career progression, looking into advanced certifications—like advanced EMT or tactical emergency services—can open doors to higher-paying positions, especially in specialized areas like industrial medic roles, which can offer wages between $50 to $70+ per hour in shale regions. Realistically, new EMTs in Derry can anticipate salary increases within their first three years as they gain experience and expand their credentials, positioning themselves effectively against market demands.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Derry. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derry 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