Entry-Level Emergency Medical Technician Salary in Cody, WY: $29,897 (2026)
Quick Answer:New emergency medical technicians entering the Cody, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,897 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-2042, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cody's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,208 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($36,621) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cody, Wyoming, new graduates entering the emergency medical technician field can expect to start their careers with a salary around $29,897, which is notably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $36,621. This creates a significant gap for entry-level positions, highlighting the need for fresh EMTs to set realistic expectations as they begin their journey. Over the first three to five years, starting EMTs can anticipate growth towards the 25th percentile salary of $31,958 and ultimately aim for the median pay. Given Cody's projected growth rate of 5.82% annually, new graduates may find this market favorable for their initial entry into the workforce, although they should be prepared for gradual salary increments as they gain experience in the field.
About the Cody Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cody
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 Cody
Entry-level emergency medical technicians in Cody, WY typically start between $29,897 and $31,958 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $17,434 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $36,621 — 22.18% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average emergency medical services program cost in Wyoming of $2,200 represents just 7.36% of the starting emergency medical technician pay ($29,897/year) in Cody. 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 Cody
- 1Research the Cody market: entry-level emergency medical technician pay ranges from $29,897 to $31,958, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cody, 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 Cody for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cody'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 Cody is $17,434 ( 58.31%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,897, experienced hygienists can earn up to $47,331.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2021 BLS Actual
$19,553
2025 BLS Actual
$28,253
2026 Current Est.
$29,897
2021–2027 Growth
+61.8%
Salary Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Cody (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19,553 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,402 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $28,285 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,253 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,897 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,637 | Projected |
Entry-level emergency medical technician compensation (10th percentile) in Cody, WY grew 44.5% over 5 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,553 in 2021 to $28,253 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,637. New graduates entering the Cody job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cody 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 Cody
Looking at potential employers in Cody, several options are available for newly minted EMTs. Major private ambulance companies like AMR, GMR, and Falck tend to hire directly, offering structured training and possible on-the-job rotations. Municipal fire departments may recruit entry-level EMTs, especially those who are cross-trained as firefighters, benefiting from union contracts that significantly enhance their pay scale compared to ambulance-only duties. In this arena, private ambulance companies have struggled to keep pace with inflation, making the fire department pathways a more lucrative option. To enhance earning potential, pursuing further credentials such as the advanced EMT designation, national registration with NREMT, or even specialty courses can provide substantial benefits. Realistically, within the first three years in Cody, starting EMTs should aim for gradual salary increases as they expand their skills and accumulate experience, particularly if they position themselves in sectors like oil-field medicine, where pay can be substantially higher.
More salary data for Cody, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for emergency medical technicians in Cody in 2026?
How fast do emergency medical technician salaries grow in Cody?
Is emergency medical services school worth it in Cody?
What do new emergency medical technicians make right out of school in Cody?
How do I become a emergency medical technician in Wyoming?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wyoming
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 Cody. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cody 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