Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay in Gadsden, AL: $18.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a emergency medical technician working in Gadsden, AL runs $18.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $38,832 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2042). Weighted against Gadsden's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $21.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $23,296 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly pay of $18.67 in Gadsden, Alabama, emergency medical technicians find their compensation lower than the national median hourly rate of $22.62. This discrepancy may impact part-time workers, such as those putting in three days a week in roles such as ambulance service, fire department medical assistance, or event medical coverage. The hourly range for these professionals varies significantly, from an entry-level rate of $15.53 up to $25.84 for experienced EMTs. It's essential to recognize that these hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary projections and can fluctuate depending on the type of employer, whether that be private companies, municipal services, or specialized medical event staffing.
About the Gadsden Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($32,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.53 | $124.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $16.60 | $132.83 |
| Median (P50) | $18.67 | $149.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $21.04 | $168.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $25.84 | $206.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gadsden
Based on $18.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $18.67/hr, a emergency medical technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gadsden, AL can expect to earn approximately $38,827 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $22,400. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gadsden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gadsden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $746.67 | $3,236 | $38,827 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $448.00 | $1,941 | $23,296 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $298.67 | $1,294 | $15,531 |
Compare EMT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Technician (Gadsden) | $18.67 |
| Paramedic (National Avg) | $27.18 |
| Nursing Assistant (National Avg) | $18.62 |
| Firefighter (National Avg) | $26.89 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.25 |
Emergency Medical Technicians in Gadsden, AL earn a median of $38,832 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.48% lower than the national median of $47,058 and 3.30% below the Alabama state average of $40,157.
Emergency Medical Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $18.67/hr = $23,296/year (purchasing power: $26,503).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $38,827/year (purchasing power: $44,171).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2021 BLS Actual
$14.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$17.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$18.67/hr
2021–2027 Growth
+40.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Emergency Medical Technicians in Gadsden (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $14.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $14.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $15.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $13.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $17.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $18.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $19.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for emergency medical technicians in Gadsden grew 25.4% from $14.07/hr (2021) to $17.64/hr (2025). At a 5.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $19.75/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem emergency medical technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gadsden 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.
Working as an Hourly Emergency Medical Technician in Gadsden
When considering part-time work, an emergency medical technician working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $23,207 annually, a considerable difference compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem emergency medical technician pay in Gadsden presents varied opportunities; these workers can commonly bill between $20 and $32 per hour with private firms, while oil-field medics may see significantly higher rates in remote areas, ranging from $40 to $70 per hour depending on the work conditions. Additionally, tactical EMS positions often come with stipends between $30 and $50 per hour. Rates considerably differ based on the employer, with cross-trained firefighter-EMTs generally commanding higher pay due to union agreements. While some EMTs might accept lower hourly wages for the benefits of health insurance, negotiating based on local market conditions and one's skill set can lead to better compensation options. Understanding these dynamics in Gadsden can empower EMTs to make informed decisions regarding their careers and hourly wages.
More salary data for Gadsden, AL:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for emergency medical technicians in Gadsden. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gadsden 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