Entry-Level Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Williston, ND: $33,436 (2026)
Quick Answer:New emergency medical technicians entering the Williston, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,436 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2042, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Williston's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,343 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($41,311) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for entry-level positions as emergency medical technicians in Williston, ND, present new graduates with a unique outlook for 2026. First-time EMTs can anticipate earning around $33,436, significantly below the city median of $41,311, illustrating that initial compensation may feel modest. However, ambitious newcomers embracing additional skills may see their earnings trend upward, with the range extending to $36,044 for those at the 25th percentile and potentially approaching the median as they accumulate experience. Given the projected annual growth rate of 5.82%, Williston currently offers a moderately promising environment for fresh graduates aspiring to join the ranks of emergency medical services.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Williston
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 Williston
Entry-level emergency medical technicians in Williston, ND typically start between $33,436 and $36,044 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,546 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $41,311 — 12.21% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average emergency medical services program cost in North Dakota of $1,800 represents just 5.38% of the starting emergency medical technician pay ($33,436/year) in Williston. 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 Williston
- 1Research the Williston market: entry-level emergency medical technician pay ranges from $33,436 to $36,044, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Williston, 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 Williston for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Williston'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 Williston is $22,546 ( 67.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,436, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,982.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,867
2025 BLS Actual
$31,597
2026 Current Est.
$33,436
2021–2027 Growth
+61.8%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Williston (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,172 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $26,735 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,597 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,436 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,382 | Projected |
Entry-level emergency medical technician compensation (10th percentile) in Williston, ND grew 44.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,867 in 2021 to $31,597 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,382. New graduates entering the Williston job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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 Williston
In Williston, various employers seek to tap into the talent pool of new emergency medical technicians. Private ambulance companies such as AMR, GMR, and Falck are prominent, frequently hiring recent graduates for swift deployment in transport roles. Additionally, municipal fire departments often recruit EMTs who are cross-trained, benefitting from robust firefighter union contracts that significantly enhance wages compared to private ambulance pay, which has struggled with inflation. For those looking to enhance their credentials, completion of a state-approved EMT-Basic course (typically 120-150 hours) and securing NREMT national registration can substantially improve starting pay. Moreover, with experienced oil-field medics earning upwards of $50-$70 per hour in shale regions, there are lucrative opportunities for those willing to invest two to three years in gaining practical experience. Facing realistic salary growth expectations, a new grad emergency medical technician in ND can navigate their first few years by aligning their career pathways strategically with the local job market.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for emergency medical technicians in Williston in 2026?
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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 Williston. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Williston 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