Entry-Level Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Medina, OH: $33,562 (2026)
Quick Answer:New emergency medical technicians entering the Medina, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $33,562 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2042, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,003 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,665) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the field of emergency medical services in Medina, Ohio, the starting emergency medical technician salary is projected to be around $33,562 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $40,665, highlighting a significant gap that entry-level EMTs should consider. New graduates can expect a gradual growth trajectory in their earnings, likely moving from this initial pay level up toward $35,056 within a few years, and eventually reaching the median as they gain experience. Given the current economic climate and the 5.82% growth rate in this field, Medina represents a moderately competitive market for recent EMT graduates seeking to launch their careers.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medina
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 Medina
Entry-level emergency medical technicians in Medina, OH typically start between $33,562 and $35,056 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $22,408 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,665 — 13.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average emergency medical services program cost in Ohio of $2,500 represents just 7.45% of the starting emergency medical technician pay ($33,562/year) in Medina. 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 Medina
- 1Research the Medina market: entry-level emergency medical technician pay ranges from $33,562 to $35,056, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medina, 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 Medina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medina'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 Medina is $22,408 ( 66.77%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $33,562, experienced hygienists can earn up to $55,970.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$21,949
2025 BLS Actual
$31,716
2026 Current Est.
$33,562
2021–2027 Growth
+61.8%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Medina (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $21,949 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,794 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,716 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33,562 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,515 | Projected |
Entry-level emergency medical technician compensation (10th percentile) in Medina, OH grew 44.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,949 in 2021 to $31,716 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,515. New graduates entering the Medina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
In Medina, various employers actively recruit new graduate emergency medical technicians. Private ambulance services such as AMR, GMR, and Falck frequently bring on entry-level EMTs due to high turnover and the need for quick on-the-job training. Municipal fire departments often prefer to hire cross-trained firefighter-EMTs, which can substantially enhance earning potential through established union contracts that typically offer higher salaries compared to private services. Joining specialized industries, like oil-field and industrial sectors, presents another viable path, although these positions typically require 2-3 years of experience. To increase starting pay, new graduates should prioritize obtaining their NREMT certification, completing a state-approved EMT-Basic course, and considering advanced training to enhance their credentials. In the initial years, realistic salary expectations for entry-level EMTs in Medina may see them earning close to the lower range, but with experience and additional qualifications, they could significantly increase their earnings potential in this growing field.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for emergency medical technicians in Medina 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 Medina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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